Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often starts in childhood but may not be diagnosed until the teenage or adult years.

Men are more likely to have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but research suggests that more women have adult ADHD than previously believed. Meaning that the condition is underdiagnosed in women.

Also, when ADHD symptoms exist, they can look different in women than in men.

Please continue reading to find out some of the gender differences in ADHD symptoms and what to look for in women with ADHD.

What Are The 3 Key Symptoms Used to Diagnose ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults can present in three different ways:

Predominantly Inattentive ADHD

People with this type of ADHD are easily distracted and find it difficult to finish tasks, organize their daily routine, pay attention to details, and follow conversations.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

People with this type of ADHD tend to fidget, talk excessively, speak at inappropriate moments, interrupt others, not wait for their turn, be unable to sit still for long, feel restless, make careless mistakes, and show impulsivity.

Combined or Mixed ADHD

This type of ADHD has both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

How to Recognize ADHD Symptoms?

Inattentiveness: What Are The 9 Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD?

The 9 symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:

Difficulty paying attention and/or frequently making mistakes while doing tasks.
Trouble focusing on long tasks such as reading a book or listening to a podcast.
Problems with staying in the moment without getting distracted.
Difficulty following through on tasks or responsibilities.
Trouble remembering appointments, chores, or errands.
Inability to meet deadlines or manage time.
Trouble listening to others without interrupting.
Difficulty completing tasks that require significant focus, such as writing reports.
Problems keeping track of common everyday objects like keys, phones, or wallets.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity: What Are The 9 Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD?

The 9 symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD include:

Inability to sit still with frequent fidgeting, such as tapping a foot, bouncing a leg, or playing with a pen.
Having difficulty remaining seated and frequently standing up to walk around.
Restlessness (children running or climbing when inappropriate).
Trouble enjoying quiet or relaxing activities and hobbies.
Having a high activity level (being constantly busy or hurried and others being unable to keep up).
Talking excessively on various topics, including no filter talking, info dumping, and over-explaining.
Having trouble with self-restraint in conversations, speaking impulsively, interrupting others, and talking without thinking.
Struggling with waiting in line, waiting for your turn, and being impatient in general.
Trouble with understanding social boundaries, leading to socially inappropriate interruptions or intrusions into others’ conversations or activities.

Emotional Dysregulation and RSD

Emotional dysregulation is a common but less understood symptom of adult ADHD. It can manifest as rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD), a mental condition in which people experience intense emotional pain when they are rejected, criticized, or teased.

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Diagnosing ADHD in Women

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

To make an ADHD diagnosis, healthcare providers look for various symptoms. There are 9 possible symptoms in the inattentive subtype and 9 possible symptoms in the hyperactive/impulsive subtype (see above). To be diagnosed with a subtype, you should have at least 6 of the 9 symptoms of that subtype present for a minimum of 6 months. For a diagnosis of the mixed ADHD subtype, you should have at least 6 symptoms from each subtype (a total of 12 symptoms) for greater than 6 months.

Gender Differences in Diagnosis: Is ADHD in Women Different from ADHD in Men?

Yes, ADHD in women can present differently from ADHD in men. Also, ADHD symptoms can look different in adult women compared to young girls.

In addition, research has found that ADHD women and girls tend to have related symptoms such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. In contrast, men and boys tend to have hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disruptive behaviors.

Common Diagnostic Challenges: What Does ADHD Look Like in Females?

Research shows women are just as likely as men to have inattentive-type ADHD symptoms but less likely than men to have the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD symptoms.

In other words, ADHD in women tends to cause more inattentive symptoms and fewer hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. However, this does not mean that women or young girls with ADHD cannot have problems with hyperactivity or impulse control.

However, because hyperactive symptoms tend to be more obvious than inattentiveness, the condition remains underdiagnosed in females.

Role of Hormones

Various factors, such as hormonal fluctuations during the different transitional periods in a woman’s life, could explain the differences in ADHD between women and men.

Women have a larger hippocampus, a part of the brain that plays a role in learning and memory.
Sex hormones such as estrogen affect brain function. Women undergo natural hormone fluctuations when menstruating, in different phases of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, after childbirth, and during menopause.
The use of external hormones, such as oral contraception or hormone therapy at menopause, can also play a role in women with ADHD experiencing different symptoms from men with ADHD.

Undiagnosed or Underdiagnosed ADHD in Adult Women and Young Girls

Why is Undiagnosed ADHD Common in Women?

As mentioned above, women tend to have inattentive-type symptoms, which can be more difficult to identify than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms.

Misinterpretation of Symptoms

There is a gender bias in ADHD diagnosis, such that a healthcare professional may not look for or recognize ADHD in women, putting the symptoms down to character traits.

Also, many women tend to hide their symptoms due to social, cultural, and gender expectations (for instance, hyperactivity is more socially acceptable in boys and adult men).

Additionally, there is a stigma against mental health conditions in general, especially among women. The presence of other conditions can complicate and delay diagnosis and treatment. Related conditions such as anxiety and depression commonly co-occur with adult ADHD.

Potential Consequences and Impact on Quality of Life

Undiagnosed ADHD can affect work and personal life and lead to unhealthy relationships and co-occurring conditions such as eating disorders.

If you or a loved one struggles with restlessness, disorganization with daily tasks, trouble keeping track of time, missing deadlines, difficulty paying attention, lack of focus, forgetfulness, mood swings, low self-esteem, or difficulty controlling emotions, you should see a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of ADHD.

Treatment Options for ADHD in Women

Medication Management: What Are The Treatment Options for Women with ADHD?

ADHD medications and psychotherapy are the mainstays of treatment for ADHD in adult women and men. A combination of therapy and medication can make daily life easier for affected persons. The choice of medication will depend on your symptoms, co-occurring conditions, and other drugs.

Examples of commonly prescribed ADHD medications include:

Stimulant medications such as dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). (Learn more about Adderall vs. Vyvanse)
Non-stimulant medications such as clonidine (Kapvay), atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), and viloxazine (Qelbree).
Antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Read our blog comparing the benefits of Adderall vs Ritalin.

Behavioral Therapies

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based approach that can help women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder change negative thinking patterns and behaviors and benefit from higher self-esteem, improved productivity, and better overall quality of life.

Lifestyle Changes

Women struggling with the common signs and symptoms of ADHD can also work with an ADHD coach to learn life management skills. Women's ADHD support groups can provide useful information on lifestyle changes and self-care. Behavioral therapy can help in learning coping strategies. Most women diagnosed with ADHD can lead fulfilling lives with the proper diagnosis, medication treatment, and support group help.

Find out how to manage ADHD without medication.

Support for Women with ADHD

Support Groups and Communities

Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
Kaleidoscope Society
ADHD Girls

Involvement of Family and Friends

Family and friends can play a significant role in supporting women with ADHD by:

Setting and respecting boundaries for healthy relationships.
Clearly communicating needs and listening to loved ones’ needs.
Developing coping strategies together to manage ADHD symptoms.
Encouraging social connections to prevent isolation and worsening symptoms of ADHD.

Further Reading

Sari Solden’s Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embracing Disorganization at Home and in the Workplace.
Terry Matlen’s Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD: Beyond Piles, Palms & Stickers.
Tips for Managing Home and Life for Women with ADHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Symptoms of ADHD In Women Who Are Quiet?

Symptoms of ADHD in women who are quiet may include low self-esteem, self-blame, anxiety disorders, mood disorders such as depression, and even thoughts and behaviors or self-harm, especially in women with limited social interaction. In addition, women who are quiet may have symptoms of ADHD such as easy distractibility, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty remembering things. In general, women with ADHD tend to have inattentive-type symptoms, which are less noticeable than hyperactivity symptoms.

What Does ADHD Look Like In Women?

ADHD symptoms manifest differently in women and are more frequently the inattention type with related issues like anxiety and depression. Women with ADHD may appear anxious, daydream frequently, and be constantly fidgeting between different tasks. However, adult ADHD is underdiagnosed in women due to the symptoms being more inattentiveness and less hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

What Is Undiagnosed ADHD In Female Adults?

Undiagnosed or unrecognized ADHD is common in women due to inattentive symptoms which are less obvious, gender bias among healthcare providers, and social expectations of women, which can all make diagnosis challenging.

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