ADHD In Women and Girls

How Symptoms Differ In Women

The main reason why ADHD goes undiagnosed in women and girls is that their symptoms differ from their male counterparts. There are three different presentations of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or a combination.

Men tend to be hyperactive or impulsive, causing them to be disruptive, fidgety, hyperactive, whimsical, impatient, have mood swings, and be restless. On the other hand, women go quiet and become withdrawn – the typical symptoms of inattentive ADHD. Their symptoms include disorganization, impulsivity, shyness, trouble listening and remembering, and difficulty paying attention to details. These symptoms are often viewed as traits rather than symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report states that boys have a higher chance (12.9%) of being diagnosed than girls (5.6%). However, research also says that this is not because boys are more likely to get ADHD but more because girls stay undiagnosed.

Studies also indicate that while men and women with ADHD are more alike, there are a few differences. Women and girls tend to have less externalized symptoms like aggression than men but have higher levels of depression and anxiety.