ADHD has traditionally been seen as a “boys’ disorder,” leading many girls and women with ADHD to go undiagnosed and untreated. Gendered bias around ADHD – from both research and societal stereotypes – has led to widespread misunderstandings. As a result, ADHD symptoms in women and girls are often missed or misinterpreted, signficantly impacting their lives and well-being.

In this article, we’ll break down how ADHD symptoms present differently in all genders, and discuss how thorough ADHD assessments can help identify symptoms specific to each individual.

ADHD bias and gender stereotypes: How ADHD is misunderstood

To start, let’s consider how ADHD stereotypes have shaped our understanding of the disorder. ADHD stereotypes often paint a picture of a young boy who is constantly moving, impulsive, and disruptive in school. And whilst this can be the case for boys, this stereotype persists because boys with ADHD are more likely to display hyperactive or impulsive behaviours, which are noticed earlier in life. On the other hand, many girls with ADHD show symptoms like inattentiveness, which are less disruptive and often misunderstood as “daydreaming” or “just shy.”

As a result, this bias contributes to a delay in diagnosis for girls and women, who are often left without the support they need. Therefore, a thorough ADHD assessment for both genders is crucial to recognise these nuanced symptoms and ensure effective, gender-sensitive ADHD treatment.

Why ADHD symptoms appear later in life for women

Evidently, ADHD symptoms often become more noticeable in girls during primary school, high school, or even in adulthood as academic and social expectations increase. On the other hand, boys with ADHD may struggle earlier due to more obvious behavioural symptoms, but girls with ADHD symptoms might only encounter challenges as life’s demands become more complex.

Furthermore, in adulthood, women with undiagnosed ADHD often report struggles with time management, organisation, and maintaining focus at work or home. As such, proper ADHD testing and assessment can help clarify these issues and support both men and women in better managing their symptoms.

Recognising ADHD symptoms in women

ADHD can appear differently in women, with symptoms often being more internalised and less disruptive than the ADHD symptoms typically seen in men. Here are some common ways ADHD symptoms manifest in women and girls:

1. Inattention in ADHD

Females with ADHD may exhibit inattentive symptoms like: Difficulty focusing on detailed tasks, which can lead to errors or missed details. Easy distractibility: They might be sidetracked by external stimuli or even their own thoughts. Appearing not to listen: They might seem daydreamy or detached in conversations or meetings, which can lead to misunderstandings.

2. Subtle hyperactivity and impulsivity in women with ADHD

While hyperactivity in boys with ADHD is often more visible, females might exhibit: Restlessness: They may have an inner sense of tension or fidget subtly by doodling, tapping, or shifting frequently. Impulsivity: This can appear as interrupting conversations, acting quickly without thinking, or making sudden decisions.

 3. Emotional dysregulation

ADHD can significantly impact emotional regulation, particularly in women: Intense reactions: Women with ADHD might react more strongly to minor setbacks or criticism. Mood swings: Shifts in mood may occur quickly, especially under stress. Sensitivity to criticism: They may take criticism or rejection to heart, often leading to self-doubt.

 4. Executive function challenges in ADHD

Executive functioning issues are common among women with ADHD and can manifest as: Disorganisation: This includes misplacing belongings, missing appointments, or struggling with deadlines. Poor time management: They may have difficulty with prioritisation, often running late or rushing. Procrastination: Delaying tasks, often until deadlines are unavoidable, is a common ADHD symptom.

5. Social challenges

ADHD can impact social skills, particularly for women who may already face higher social expectations: Impulsivity in conversations: Women with ADHD may interrupt or overshare, which can lead to misunderstandings. Social withdrawal: They might feel different from others, leading to social anxiety or isolation. Missing social cues: They may misinterpret or miss cues, causing tension in friendships or relationships.

6. Underperformance at school or work

Despite intelligence and capability, women with ADHD may struggle academically or professionally: Academic inconsistencies: They may excel in some subjects but struggle with others requiring sustained attention or organisation. Workplace challenges: They may find it difficult to stay on top of tasks, leading to stress and frustration.

7. Compensatory strategies in women with ADHD

Women often develop complex strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms: Excessive organisation: Relying on planners, to-do lists, and reminders to try to keep on track. Perfectionism: They may strive to be flawless to cover up symptoms of forgetfulness or distraction. Masking: Many women hide their struggles to avoid judgment or criticism, leading to burnout or exhaustion.

Thorough and credible ADHD assessments for all

Importantly, in my ADHD assessments, I take into account these gender-specific presentations. Moreover, an effective ADHD assessment recognises both the internalised and externalised symptoms that might present differently in all genders. By creating a safe space and exploring symptoms in depth, I provide thorough and credible ADHD assessments that help each person feel seen and understood. As such, I use a “neuroaffirmative” approach which respects and embraces neurodiversity, focusing on understanding and supporting each person’s unique cognitive style, rather than viewing ADHD as something to “fix.”

Raising awareness and breaking ADHD bias

To reduce the gender bias in ADHD diagnosis, it’s crucial to recognise these unique presentations and move away from stereotypes. For parents, schools, and healthcare professionals, understanding how ADHD symptoms can differ across genders ensures we don’t overlook those who may need support. Furthermore, increasing ADHD awareness for all genders can empower individuals with ADHD to find effective treatments and strategies that support their unique needs.

ADHD support and treatment for women

For women and girls with ADHD, early diagnosis and support can make a huge difference. Tailored ADHD treatments like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, or medication can help individuals better manage their symptoms. For adult women with ADHD, therapy that addresses self-esteem, social skills, and emotional regulation can be particularly beneficial.

Final thoughts

ADHD is not just a disorder for young boys, and understanding how it can affect women and girls is a vital part of addressing their needs. Furthermore, by breaking down gendered stereotypes and providing thorough ADHD assessments, we can help men and women live balanced and fulfilling lives with ADHD. Contact me here to find out more about our free ADHD assessment screening test. Read here about why it’s important that you get a credible ADHD assessment

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