Symptoms of ADHD in women checklist

While reports show that women are being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at unprecedented rates, they are underdiagnosed compared with men. This leaves many women with ADHD without the effective treatment they need. If you think you’re experiencing ADHD symptoms, this ADHD in women checklist may help.

In this article, learn about the symptoms of ADHD and how it presents in women. Complete our ADHD in women checklist to see if you may be experiencing symptoms — and learn about resources for getting a diagnosis and treatment.

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Symptoms of ADHD and ADHD in women

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all genders. While ADHD often presents differently in men and women, its symptoms in adults are the same regardless of your sex or gender.

According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-V-TR) — the text that mental health professionals use to make diagnoses — ADHD has 3 presentations:

• Inattentive
• Hyperactive-impulsive
• Combined

These 3 types of ADHD apply to people of all genders, although some research indicates that women may be more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD. People with the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD can experience symptoms, like:

• Losing things needed for tasks and activities
• Being easily distracted by unrelated stimuli
• Having trouble organizing tasks and activities
• Making careless mistakes due to difficulty sustaining attention
• Struggling to follow through on instructions or to finish tasks

People with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD may present with symptoms and behaviors, such as:

• Having a hard time sitting still — often fidgets, taps hands and feet, or squirms in seat
• Talking excessively and interrupting others
• Having difficulty waiting their turn in situations like lines or conversations
• Often feeling restless and having trouble staying seated when expected
• Frequently acting without thinking, leading to impulsive decisions

People with combined-type ADHD show both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. (Note some people prescribe to 7 types of ADHD.) 

ADHD in women checklist

While no online resource can replace a professional ADHD assessment and diagnosis, it helps to understand the disorder and whether it relates to your symptoms.

Here, we’ve created an ADHD in women checklist to help you identify whether you show signs of ADHD and get support if you need. We’ve even included some of the lesser-known signs of ADHD that you may not be aware of. Keep in mind that this checklist isn’t intended as a definitive list of symptoms or a diagnostic tool — but, if you relate to many of these items, then it’s possible you live with ADHD.

Download and print a PDF version of the ADHD in Women Checklist.

How is ADHD in women different?

According to official reports, boys and men are up to 3 times as likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than girls and women. Many experts believe that this isn’t due to ADHD truly being more common in males, but more to an unconscious bias that professionals — including mental health providers, physicians, and teachers — have about ADHD in girls and women.

When thinking of someone with ADHD, many people picture a young boy who displays signs of hyperactivity, like a disruptive child bouncing off the walls. While this can be one way ADHD presents, it’s far from the only way. Unfortunately, this stereotypical view of what ADHD looks like can lead to many girls and women with ADHD going undiagnosed for years.

How ADHD symptoms are different in women and men

The officially recognized symptoms of ADHD are consistent across genders. But some research points to the possibility that girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to show signs of inattentiveness (as opposed to boys and men, who are more likely to show signs of hyperactivity). Inattentiveness is often less acutely disruptive in classrooms and work settings than hyperactivity, which leads many girls with ADHD to fly under the radar until adulthood.

Women with ADHD also tend to experience more internalized symptoms. For example, many women with ADHD blame themselves for their perceived shortcomings and struggle with low self-esteem. Living with ADHD may cause them to develop symptoms of depression or anxiety, which they try to deal with using unhealthy coping mechanisms. 

On the other hand, with ADHD in men, symptoms are more likely externalized — for example, by having angry outbursts or conduct problems. Men may also be more likely to use drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms (although people of all genders with ADHD are more likely to develop substance use problems than people without ADHD).

Girls and women with ADHD may have better coping skills

Research shows that girls with ADHD may also be more likely to develop better coping skills than men, which can often lead to their ADHD symptoms being hidden for years. For example, they may over-rely on planners and lists to keep track of their appointments or practice effective social skills to ensure they don’t interrupt or talk over others. 

In part, this is because of societal expectations often placed on girls to be docile and orderly. Girls with ADHD may quickly realize that they won’t be accepted if their ADHD symptoms are on full display, which leads them to start masking from an early age. Unfortunately, these coping skills can delay diagnosis and treatment for many women — many women with ADHD are originally diagnosed with other mental health problems like anxiety or depression.

Resources for ADHD in women

Although ADHD can be difficult for anyone to live with, there is hope. There are many resources, including effective ADHD treatment options, available that can help you manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

Medication management

Regardless of gender, the most effective treatment method for ADHD is ADHD medication. While stimulant medications (like Ritalin or Adderall) are the most effective, there are also many non-stimulant ADHD medications (like Strattera or Qelbree) available. It’s important to share your medical history and needs with your provider to find the right medication and dosage for you.

Therapy

A therapist can teach you how to manage your symptoms and help you learn new skills to navigate life’s responsibilities without being held back by ADHD. ADHD therapy can also be very effective for helping women with ADHD cope with comorbid conditions, like depression and anxiety, that often come along with ADHD.

Support groups

Being a woman with ADHD can be a lonely experience, especially if you didn’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Joining an online or local support group for women with ADHD can connect you with peers who’ve had similar experiences.

Key takeaway 

• Although more and more women are diagnosed with ADHD, they’re less likely to receive a diagnosis than men.
• Comparing your symptoms and experiences to the ADHD in women checklist may help you start better understanding what you’re going through.
• If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment.
• Treatment options for women with ADHD include medication, therapy, and support groups.

Find an ADHD provider and get seen in as little as 24 hours*

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment. On Klarity Health, find an ADHD provider and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*

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