When people think of ADHD – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder – symptoms like being easily distracted or having trouble staying focused may come to mind. In children, people may think of the child who is disruptive in class or has difficulty staying in their seat. These are common symptoms and the classic presentation of ADHD in men; however, women and girls are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because it can look different for them! Let’s look at the different types of ADHD and how women typically present.
There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined. Inattentive type can look like being prone to making errors due to inattention, having trouble staying focused, “zoning out,” trouble with follow-through, difficulty organizing and setting priorities, frequently forgetting or misplacing items, and becoming easily distracted.
Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include frequent fidgeting, feeling restless, having difficulty staying quiet, excessive talking, difficulty with self-restraint in conversations and frequently interrupting others, difficulty with taking turns, and difficulty understanding social boundaries.
Combined is some combination of these two subtypes. For more information on symptoms and diagnosis, one can speak with a behavior health provider.
Research suggests that how ADHD impacts people may vary depending on sex. While studies confirm that the condition is more common in boys, the evidence suggests that it is underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed in women.
There are several reasons why ADHD is underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed in women. One study argues that there is a genetic protective factor for women and that females require a greater exposure to genetic and environmental factors associated with ADHD to develop the condition. Other studies have found that hyperactivity is more socially acceptable for boys and men and that women may suppress these symptoms to try to fit in. Hyperactivity is a more noticeable trait and therefore if women are suppressing these symptoms, they are less likely to demonstrate behavior that draws attention and leads to diagnosis. This is one reason that women are less frequently diagnosed. Additionally, the early research in ADHD focused on the condition in males. The research for women has not yet caught up. Some experts argue that due to this lack of research, the current criteria are less accurate for diagnosing women and a better understanding is necessary to improve treatment for women. Considering these factors, it is important to look for signs and speak with your medical or mental health provider to learn more.
ADHD is not curable, but it can be treated through medication and various forms of therapy. The presentation of ADHD is as unique as each individual who carries the diagnosis, so it’s important to find what works for you and being ok if that looks different than what works for someone else. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or get the support of your medical and mental health providers to learn more about diagnosis and how to treat it.
– Julia Phelps is a Licensed Professional Counselor for Health West. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Idaho and her Master of Counseling degree from Idaho State University. She speaks both English and Spanish and is particularly passionate about mental health in rural and underserved communities.
