ADHD is Different in Women and Girls

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that many girls and women have, but so often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This leads to many women and girls being left with untreated ADHD, which can lead to many negative outcomes.

Women and girls being misdiagnosed or not diagnosed with ADHD are in part because the condition is traditionally thought to mostly affect men, but also because there is a tendency for women to generally display symptoms that are less obvious or socially disruptive than men. 

Women with the disorder tend to be less hyperactive and impulsive, more disorganized, scattered, forgetful, and introverted and this makes ADHD harder to detect and diagnose.

Symptoms of ADHD in women and how they differ from men

ADHD presents in three different ways: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and some combination of the two.

According to the 5th edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ADHD symptoms may fall into three subtypes: Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD Type, Inattentive ADHD Type, or Combined ADHD Type, a combination of both Hyperactive/Impulsive Type and Inattentive Type. When boys and men have ADHD, they tend to have the Hyperactive/Impulsive type or Combine Type. Inattentive Type ADHD is more common in girls and women. 

Inattentive ADHD symptoms are still largely misunderstood and misdiagnosed by medical professionals who mistake them for mood disorders, anxiety, or other related conditions.

Symptoms of Inattentive Type ADHD look like being:

• Fidgety or restless

• Disruptive or talkative

• Impulsive

• Impatient

• In constant need to do something/be on the go

• (Having) mood swings

Girls and women tend to have the inattentive type of ADHD, where they find it difficult to:

• Pay attention to details

• Focus

• Stay organized

• Listen

• Remember things

Some of the characteristics of this type of ADHD, like being shy or impulsive, can be mistaken for personality traits rather than symptoms. 

Why are women so often misdiagnosed?

Adolescent girls generally have fewer coping strategies and less self-efficacy than boys do, coupled with fewer external symptoms (like aggression) than boys, but greater levels of depression and anxiety. 

More often than boys, young girls are labeled as spacey, daydreamer, chatty, or forgetful, and their symptoms are effectively dismissed. Later in life as a woman, these same girls might reach out for help for their ADHD, and be given a depression or anxiety diagnosis. 

Why is not being diagnosed with ADHD a problem?

Social, daily, academic, and work life can be complicated when women don’t understand why they can’t perform like others can. When women or girls are unaware that they have ADHD they can feel inadequate because they just can’t seem to do the things that society expects them to do, like show up to an event on time, remember birthdays, etc. Confused and ashamed by their struggles, girls and women can internalize this ability to not meet social expectations. Common symptoms of ADHD like trouble prioritizing, organizing, coordinating, and paying attention are seen as personal character flaws and not characteristics of a common disorder.

With more awareness about ADHD and how women express ADHD, many more women and girls will be able to realize they do not have character flaws and seek out an ADHD evaluation. Obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD can offer validation, insight, and self-acceptance and may also guide you to the appropriate ADHD treatment. 

There is Hope For You

Getting an official ADHD diagnosis and treatment isn't just about managing symptoms; it's about gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, unlocking your potential, and finding acceptance and support within a community that shares your experiences. It's a powerful first step towards building a life that feels manageable, fulfilling, and uniquely yours.

Here at the Thriving Wellness Center, we specialize in ADHD Evaluations and ADHD Treatment. We have locations in New York and New Jersey and perform thorough and professional ADHD testing and therapy in-person and online. If you are newly diagnosed with ADHD or interested in getting a diagnosis in New York, New Jersey, or virtually please contact us to see how we can help you improve your life.