Diagnostic Bias

Systematic errors in the diagnostic process that lead to certain groups being more or less likely to receive a particular diagnosis based on characteristics unrelated to the condition itself, such as gender, race, age, or socioeconomic status. In ADHD, diagnostic bias has historically led to underdiagnosis in women and girls (whose symptoms more often present as inattention rather than hyperactivity), adults (ADHD was long considered a childhood condition), and people of color. Understanding diagnostic bias is essential for creating inclusive health information and avoiding the perpetuation of stereotypes in digital health content.