Oct 25, 2024
Best estimates put the prevalence of adult ADHD (ADHD that persists in adulthood) around 3.1% globally, although other studies put that number as high as 5%. Within this group, men are predominately diagnosed more frequently than women. This is largely because the stereotypes around ADHD—extreme hyperactivity, social disturbances, and inability to sit still—are attributed to men.
Women, who are socialized differently from men starting from a very early age, tend to exhibit more inattentive ADHD symptoms or mask their ADHD symptoms with coping mechanisms that can lead to anxiety later on in life.
In 2010, men were 133% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than women, but that number is changing. As knowledge of how ADHD presents in women becomes more accepted, the difference between women's and men's diagnoses has shrunk: in 2022 men were only 28% more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD.
This article will cover what ADHD symptoms in women look like, how to get tested for ADHD as an adult woman, and what treatment for ADHD in women looks like.
ADHD Symptoms in Women
ADHD in women tends to present as more inattentive symptoms. As children, girls with ADHD may be called “daydreamers”, “quiet”, or “in their own head”. Teachers may praise her cooperation while stating if she could just apply herself a little more, she would reach her full potential.
The ADHD symptoms are hidden, making it less likely teachers and parents will seek diagnosis. Sometimes, it can take decades for women to get their ADHD diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD in women include:
- Inattentiveness: Women with ADHD may struggle with focusing on tasks, following through on responsibilities, and organizing their thoughts or activities.
- Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviors like interrupting others, making hasty decisions, or engaging in risky activities can be more prevalent in women with ADHD.
- Emotional dysregulation: Women with ADHD may find it challenging to manage their emotions, leading to mood swings, irritability, or being overly sensitive to criticism. This can also result in many women being misdiagnosed with anxiety.
- Forgetfulness: Difficulty remembering appointments, deadlines, or important details is a common symptom in women with ADHD.
- Procrastination: Women with ADHD may have trouble starting or completing tasks, often putting things off until the last minute.
- Disorganization: Women with ADHD may struggle to keep things in order, leading to cluttered spaces, missed appointments, or forgotten commitments.
- Restlessness: Feeling constantly on edge, fidgety, or having a sense of inner restlessness can be a symptom of ADHD in women. Often these are hyperactive symptoms being tamped down through social conditioning; young girls are not expected to be hyper or disruptive, so instead they sit with feelings of restlessness.
- Difficulty in prioritizing tasks: Women with ADHD may find it hard to determine which tasks are most important or struggle to manage their time effectively.
These feelings are not exclusive to women; they are ADHD symptoms and therefore anyone with ADHD can experience them. In general, ADHD is separated into three groups based on their symptomatology: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined.
Women are more likely to experience inattentive ADHD. If they do exhibit hyperactive symptoms, they are more likely to mask those symptoms under “polite” and “socially acceptable” behaviors to not be disruptive.
What Can ADHD be Mistaken for in Women?
As children, girls with ADHD may be told they are quiet, shy, or daydreamers. They may be praised for their good behavior while simultaneously told to focus harder. Their parents and teachers may do so in good faith, unknowing that the effort it already takes to focus on the tasks at hand is immense.
This is why many girls with ADHD grow up to have anxiety disorders. When the anxiety starts to show, this is when they go to doctors and therapists and get the diagnosis almost a quarter of women will get at some point in their lifetimes: Anxiety.
Anxiety is commonly comorbid with depression (meaning it’s common for women to have both anxiety and depression), and may also stem out into an eating disorder or OCD.
Although all of these are serious disorders that need to be addressed, women who recognize the previously mentioned symptoms should consider seeking an ADHD diagnosis as well, as that might be the root of their mental health struggles.
How to Get Tested for ADHD As an Adult Woman
If you are an adult women seeking an ADHD diagnosis for the first time, you have two options:
- Talk to your doctor for a referral. Most doctors will be able to refer you to a psychiatrist or diagnose you themselves. However, they will not be able to provide talk therapy or continuous support (except through medication management), so women looking to address their ADHD in ways other than medication should also seek out option 2.
- Talk to a therapist: All licensed therapists and social workers can diagnose ADHD in women. Depending on their specialty and focus, most therapists will also treat ADHD through any of the treatments mentioned below.
It can be a long and tiresome process getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. You may be told that you don’t have it, get wrongly diagnosed with anxiety time after time, or may just be put on medication. (Medication can work for many people, but it’s not a perfect solution for everyone.)
Listen to your gut; if you recognize the symptoms of ADHD in yourself, seek a therapist who understands you and will help you.
What Is the Treatment for ADHD in Women?
ADHD treatment for women can differ from that of men. In part because women can exhibit different symptoms, but also because they have been socialized differently. Our childhood experiences play a big role in our current mental health. It’s important to understand how growing up undiagnosed affects your thought, behavioral, and emotional patterns.
Treatment options for women include:
- Medication: Psychiatrists may prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medications to help manage ADHD symptoms in adult women. These medications can improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychoeducation can be beneficial for women with ADHD. Therapy sessions can help develop coping strategies, improve time-management skills, and address emotional challenges related to ADHD.
- Lifestyle Changes: Implementing healthy habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can have a positive impact on managing ADHD symptoms in adult women. Exercise and getting out into nature especially have been proven to be good for ADHD management.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness techniques and meditation can help women with ADHD improve self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance concentration. Meditation isn’t suited for everyone, but try some of these easy mindfulness techniques to center yourself and reduce the stress of living with ADHD.
- Support Groups: Joining support groups or seeking out community resources can provide adult women with ADHD the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and gain valuable support. Online support groups can foster a community of support that understands what you are going through.
- Structured Routines: Routine isn’t easy to establish with ADHD, but when used correctly, routine can help women with ADHD stay organized, manage their time effectively, and reduce forgetfulness. Find a technique that works for you, like an online calendar, sticky notes, color-coordinated reminders, or simply sharing a calendar with a friend so they can hold you accountable.
Remember, seeking treatment and support is a proactive step towards improving your well-being and living a brighter life. Each individual is unique, so it's essential to work with healthcare professionals to tailor a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals. You're not alone on this journey—empower yourself to take action and explore these treatment options to thrive with ADHD.
This is not a complete list of treatments, either. Once in therapy, your therapist will determine the best modality to fit your needs. This might include CBT, ACT, Narrative therapy, or DBT.
If you want to start ADHD therapy soon with a therapist who understands where you’re coming from, search Lifebulb’s directory of therapists. We offer online ADHD treatment with therapists who can diagnose adult ADHD. We also have short wait-times and accept most insurances. Don’t wait another year or two to get the diagnosis and treatment that you deserve.
