When it comes to a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), women more frequently go undiagnosed than males. While ADHD occurs equally in people, boys are significantly more likely to get this diagnosis in childhood. Many women, meanwhile, don’t get diagnosed until they’re in their 30s.
How come this disparity exists? In part, we can chalk it up to the fact that medical professionals often picture a boy with presenting symptoms when they think about ADHD. As one study put it, “A low index of clinical suspicion exists for girls.” But it’s not just that doctors and therapists aren’t looking for ADHD in women. There’s another factor at play here.
Inattentive ADHD in women
ADHD comes in three different forms.
The hyperactive-impulsive form of ADHD is probably what most people picture. This is what causes that inability to sit still, constant talking, and big issues with patience. Experts often say the person seems like a never-stopping motor drives them. Young boys usually get diagnosed with this type of ADHD.
But ADHD can also take on a form called inattentive type. This impacts your ability to focus on details and see projects through to completion (even something small like unloading the dishwasher). You might have trouble listening to people when they talk and dread long projects. Inattentive type often manifests as forgetfulness, seeming carelessness, and disorganization.
The third type of ADHD is combined type. It blends the hyperactive-impulsive type with the inattentive type.
While boys tend to exhibit hyperactive-impulsive type symptoms, research shows that young girls and women are more likely to get diagnosed with inattentive type. And here lies the problem.
This type of ADHD doesn’t cause the same classroom disruptions as hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD. As we mentioned earlier, teachers and parents might assume the child with inattentive type ADHD is just forgetful or careless. And as a result, young boys with ADHD are significantly more likely to get a diagnosis in childhood than girls (more than twice as likely, per the CDC). And that means that a lot of women have ADHD without ever knowing it.
Why getting diagnosed matters
Knowing what affects your brain gives you the ability to address it head-on. It’s like any other clinical diagnosis. You and your doctor will treat the flu differently than you’d treat arthritis, of course. Mental health is no different. Understanding what’s in play gives you the ability to treat it in a targeted way.
Plus, many women have languished with undiagnosed ADHD. They often describe a continual sense of overwhelm, and this can lead to anxiety and depression. In other words, leaving this one mental health condition unchecked can allow it to develop into something even more problematic.
Fortunately, the reverse is also true. Getting diagnosed with ADHD and starting treatment can help you feel a greater sense of control in your life. Women report finally feeling understood — and finally being able to understand why they are the way they are.
If any of these symptoms of ADHD in women sound like you, it’s well worth exploring. You can start by talking to your doctor, but our team is also available. To talk with a mental health professional about your potential for ADHD, get in touch with us.
