If you’ve always felt a little “off,” distracted or overwhelmed but never quite understood why, you’re not alone. Many women with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) go undiagnosed for years because their symptoms are often overlooked or misinterpreted.
ADHD can look different in women. Because of that, women are less likely to be diagnosed compared to men. In this blog, we’ll explore why ADHD is often missed in women, how symptoms may differ from men and what you can do if you think you have ADHD.
The ADHD gender gap: Why women are often missed
ADHD is commonly thought of as a disorder that affects boys more than girls. While it’s true that more men are diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms are the same for both genders. The problem is that ADHD in women doesn’t always show up in ways that are easy to spot.
Less obvious signs
“Diagnosis is usually dominant in men due to symptoms being more common and readily observed, sometimes as typical male behavior out of control,” said Eddie Taylor, PhD, a clinical psychologist with Banner Health. “Men often show more external symptoms of ADHD, like hyperactivity, impulsiveness or trouble sitting still, which is easier to notice and diagnose.”
However, the signs are often subtler for women and may not be as noticeable to those around them.
Societal expectations and pressures
Society’s expectation of women could play a role. Women are often expected to be organized, nurturing and focused.
When they struggle with these expectations, they may feel shame or embarrassment which can lead them to hide their symptoms. They may also confuse these issues as personal flaws rather than signs of a medical condition.
Lack of research
ADHD research has historically focused on men. This leaves women at a disadvantage when it comes to proper diagnosis and treatment.
“Funding for research regarding ADHD for girls and women is not at the same level as research for boys and men,” Dr. Taylor said. “This gap in research can make it harder for health care providers to recognize the unique ways ADHD affects women.”
How ADHD symptoms differ in women
While the symptoms of ADHD are the same, how they show up can be different in women. Dr. Taylor explained that ADHD is divided into three main subtypes:
- Inattentive or distracted
- Hyperactivity/impulsive
- A combination or mix
“Women are less likely to be diagnosed with hyperactive/impulsive subtype, which is typically linked to more visible, external behaviors,” Dr. Taylor said. “Instead, women may struggle more with inattentiveness, which is less obvious.”
Inattentiveness can look like forgetfulness, difficulty focusing or feeling constantly distracted. These symptoms are often harder to spot because they don’t disrupt those around them in the same way hyperactive behavior might.
Women may also develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD, like working harder to stay organized, using lists or trying to keep a low profile in social situations.
In addition to typical symptoms, hormonal changes in women can also impact ADHD symptoms.
“The menstrual cycle for the average woman could cause changes in experiences,” Dr. Taylor said. “When ADHD is involved, this could impact a woman and her symptoms in ways that could differ from other moments with the same symptoms.”
This means that a woman’s symptoms may feel better or worse depending on where she is in her cycle. For example, many women notice their ADHD symptoms worsen during pregnancy or just before their period.
The challenges of ADHD in women
The challenges women face with ADHD often differ from those experienced by men. These differences can complicate diagnosis and treatment. For example, women with ADHD are more likely to also struggle with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. These co-occurring conditions often mask ADHD symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis.
"ADHD symptoms that are observed could be discounted or overlooked as anxiety or depression," Dr. Taylor said. “This is particularly problematic because while anxiety and depression are common in women with ADHD, they don’t fully explain the root cause of the issues.”
Women with ADHD may also internalize their symptoms, which can lead to self-esteem issues, eating disorders or self-destructive behaviors.
"Hyperactivity and impulsivity in women may be expressed inwardly," Dr. Taylor said. “This might include negative overthinking or struggles with emotional regulation.”
ADHD in women can also significantly affect women’s personal, social and professional lives. Women with ADHD might have trouble balancing multiple responsibilities, such as managing work, family and personal goals. They may struggle to maintain organized schedules or meet deadlines, leading to feelings of inadequacy or frustration. These challenges are often compounded by societal expectations, which can make it harder for women to seek help or even recognize that they might have ADHD.
What to do if you think you have ADHD
If you think you might have ADHD but haven’t been diagnosed, it’s important to speak up. Talk to your health care provider or therapist about your concerns.
“Women should bring up their suspicions with their mental health provider or ask for a referral to a specialist in ADHD,” Dr. Taylor said. “It’s important to find someone who understands how ADHD shows up in women and can spot the less obvious symptoms.”
An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough assessment that looks at both external and internal symptoms. Working with a health care provider who understands how ADHD affects women is key to getting the right diagnosis. Once you have a proper diagnosis, you can get the treatment you need, whether it’s therapy, medication or lifestyle changes.
Moving forward: Advocating for women with ADHD
The key to improving ADHD diagnosis and treatment for women is advocacy. Dr. Taylor said raising awareness about ADHD in women is crucial for better understanding and support.
“Advocates for women with ADHD will help improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life in all areas—personal, social and professional,” he said. “By increasing awareness and focusing more research on ADHD in women, we can close the gender gap in diagnosis and treatment.”
Conclusion: Don’t ignore the signs
If you suspect that you have ADHD, don’t wait to get help. While ADHD may look different in women, it’s just as real and can be managed with the proper support.
Speak to your health care provider, seek out an ADHD specialist and take action. With a proper diagnosis and treatment, you can live a fulfilling life with ADHD.
