ADHD in Women: Recognizing the Signs and Understanding Symptoms

Explore how ADHD manifests in women and why it often remains undetected or misdiagnosed.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in women frequently remains unrecognized. This gap in diagnosis largely stems from the historical perception of ADHD as primarily a male condition, combined with the fact that women often display less conspicuous or socially disruptive symptoms compared to men.

This article delves into the distinctive ways ADHD symptoms present in women, the reasons these symptoms are often missed, and the impact on everyday life.

How Does ADHD Present Differently in Women?

ADHD symptoms in females often differ from those in males, which contributes to underdiagnosis. ADHD typically appears in three forms: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or a combination of both.

In males, hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are more common, characterized by restlessness, constant movement, impulsivity, and mood swings.

Conversely, females often experience the inattentive type, resulting in difficulties with concentration, attention to detail, organization, listening, and memory.

Gender biases also influence diagnosis, as traits like shyness or impulsivity in girls may be mistaken for personality quirks rather than ADHD symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), boys are diagnosed with ADHD at higher rates than girls (12.9% compared to 5.6%), but research indicates this discrepancy is due to underdiagnosis in females rather than actual prevalence differences.

Research shows that while men and women with ADHD share many similarities, adolescent girls may struggle more with coping skills and self-confidence, exhibit fewer outward behavioral issues like aggression, but experience higher rates of depression and anxiety.

ADHD Characteristics in Women

• Less frequent diagnosis
• Low self-esteem and anxiety
• Predominantly inattentive symptoms
• Verbal rather than physical aggression

ADHD Characteristics in Men

• Higher likelihood of diagnosis
• More disruptive and acting-out behaviors
• Increased hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Physical aggression

Why Is ADHD Often Misdiagnosed in Women?

Symptoms of ADHD in girls are frequently mistaken for personality traits, such as being forgetful, dreamy, or overly talkative. In adulthood, women may seek help and receive diagnoses like depression or anxiety instead of ADHD.

Fortunately, growing awareness about ADHD in women is improving diagnosis rates and access to treatment.

Women with ADHD commonly experience overwhelming exhaustion, psychological distress, chronic stress, and feelings of inadequacy, similar to men with the condition.

Societal expectations for women to be caregivers can intensify feelings of failure when ADHD symptoms interfere with organizing and managing responsibilities.

Consequences of Untreated ADHD in Women

Without diagnosis and treatment, women with ADHD often struggle with missed deadlines, poor focus, and difficulty organizing various aspects of daily life.

Recognizing ADHD Symptoms in Women

ADHD signs may appear across different life areas and can be more apparent in certain environments like work or school. Women often expend significant effort trying to mask their symptoms.

Relationships

Women may wish to be more attentive friends, partners, or mothers but feel unable to meet social expectations such as remembering birthdays or punctuality, leading others to misinterpret their behavior as indifference.

Social Life

Energetic in youth, women with ADHD might have been labeled tomboys. As adults, navigating social interactions can be challenging due to complex social cues, and they may feel overwhelmed or shy at gatherings despite being talkative.

Work

Work environments can be distracting and stressful, prompting some women to work during quieter hours. Desks may remain cluttered despite efforts to organize.

School

Girls with inattentive ADHD often go unnoticed because they lack overt disruptive behaviors and may hyperfocus on interests, causing teachers and parents to overlook ADHD. As adults, these women may feel frustrated seeing peers succeed despite equal intelligence.

Daily Life

Daily life may feel like a constant struggle to manage tasks and avoid crises rather than progressing toward goals. Common challenges include:

• Excessive paper clutter at home, work, and in personal spaces, leading to anxiety about unpaid bills and forgotten tasks.
• Overspending as a coping mechanism, resulting in temporary relief but later financial regret.
• Disorganization despite investing in tools and strategies, with embarrassment about cluttered living spaces.
• Difficulty making decisions, such as grocery shopping, often forgetting essential items.

Relaxation can be elusive, with minor stressors triggering emotional responses.

Many women find relief in understanding that lifelong struggles may stem from ADHD.

Common Coexisting Conditions

Women with ADHD often experience additional disorders, known as comorbid conditions, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. These include:

• Substance use disorders like alcohol or drug addiction
• Anxiety disorders including social anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
• Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder

Recognizing these overlapping conditions is vital for accurate diagnosis and effective care by knowledgeable clinicians.

Treatment Approaches for ADHD in Women

Successful ADHD management in women typically involves a combination of interventions tailored to symptom severity and individual needs.

Treatment options include medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and accommodations in educational, professional, and home settings.

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the crucial first step toward targeted treatment, empowering women to better understand themselves and harness strengths like creativity and energy.

Seeking Support

We have evaluated leading online therapy platforms such as Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain to help you find the best fit.

If you suspect you have ADHD, consulting a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment is essential. Proper diagnosis and treatment can significantly enhance life quality.

Discuss your symptoms openly with a mental health provider or physician for comprehensive evaluation.

Explore additional resources on ADHD and related conditions for further guidance.

Sources:

1. Quinn PO, Madhoo M. A review of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in women and girls: Uncovering this hidden diagnosis. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3). doi:10.4088/PCC.13r01596
2. Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Øie M. ADHD in girls and boys – Gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13(1):298. doi:10.1186/1471-244X-13-298
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Reviewed November 16, 2020.
4. Rucklidge JJ. Gender differences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2010;33(2):357-73. doi:10.1016/j.psc.2010.01.006

Article by Keath Low, MA, a therapist and clinical scientist specializing in ADHD treatment at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina.

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