How are ADHD symptoms different in women compared to men?

Researchers say women with ADHD under-diagnosed, often not believed about their symptoms

Before she was diagnosed with ADHD, Alison Pike viewed herself as lazy and undisciplined. For years, Pike fought against an invisible barrier that hindered her progress in life. It wasn’t until she reached the age of 48 that she was able to put a name to her struggles: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diagnosis allowed her to re-evaluate her entire life’s narrative, replacing self-blame with understanding and self-care.

According to researcher Kate Witteveen, Pike’s experience is far from unique. In a world where ADHD is stereotypically associated with hyperactive young boys causing disruptions in the classroom, many women and girls with the condition remain undiagnosed and misunderstood. These women often face disbelief and dismissive attitudes when seeking a diagnosis, adding to their silent suffering.

Understanding ADHD in Women

The narrative surrounding ADHD has predominantly centered around its manifestation in men, often leading to a gender bias in diagnosis and understanding. Women with ADHD, especially those diagnosed in adulthood, face unique challenges stemming from this bias. Dr. Kate Witteveen from the University of Queensland’s School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Work emphasizes the importance of understanding and support for these women. To this end, the university is calling on women diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood to participate in a pioneering study into the impact of the diagnosis.

Signs of ADHD in Women: Mared’s Story

Mared, like many women, wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until her twenties. As a child, she was branded a class clown and a disruptor, always seeking to entertain rather than engage with the task at hand. Yet, these behaviors were manifestations of her undiagnosed condition. “It’s blatantly obvious to me looking back that I was struggling,” Mared reflects. Her journey to understanding and accepting her ADHD was a long one, filled with misdiagnoses, prejudice, and a struggle for acceptance.

Women and girls with ADHD might display symptoms differently than their male counterparts. They may experience more inattentive symptoms, making them less disruptive and, consequently, less likely to be diagnosed. Women might also employ coping strategies to mask their symptoms, often leading to internalization of their difficulties and “masking” their true selves to conform to societal expectations.

Why ADHD Symptoms Go Unnoticed in Girls

Several factors contribute to ADHD symptoms going unnoticed in girls. The traditional stereotype of ADHD—as a condition manifesting primarily through physical hyperactivity and disruption—overlooks the less visible, inattentive aspects of the disorder that are more common in females. Girls often grow up internalizing their struggles, leading to additional issues such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

Moreover, societal conditioning can exacerbate the problem. Women may experience symptoms differently due to societal expectations or hormonal changes associated with menstruation or menopause. The ADHD Foundation reports that although boys are diagnosed and supported three times as much as girls, as many adult women as men are diagnosed, suggesting a significant diagnostic oversight during childhood and adolescence for girls.

Navigating a World Tailored for Neurotypical People

For many women with ADHD, everyday tasks can be a Herculean effort. Mared, for instance, talks about the challenge of starting tasks, regardless of their importance or appeal. This is part of what is known as “executive dysfunction,” a common feature of ADHD, which can present as an inability to plan, focus, remember instructions, or juggle multiple tasks.

Mared’s journey to diagnosis and acceptance was fraught with challenges, from dealing with prejudices at work to finding coping mechanisms that allowed her to manage her symptoms better. Medication has provided significant relief, offering her a glimpse into a life unmarred by the constant battle against her own brain’s wiring.

Despite the hurdles, Mared’s story ends on a note of hope. With a diagnosis came validation, and with acceptance, a path forward. Her experience underscores the need for greater awareness, understanding, and support for women with ADHD, emphasizing that while the condition does not define them, it is an integral part of their journey.