<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><div class="wp-block-klarity-cta-banner-section-v3 k-cmp k-section cmp-cta-banner-section cmp-layout--l-img cmp-background--sky-mist cmp-img-type--image cmp-img-mode--cover cmp-img-effect--none" style="--cmp-background-color:#e5f3fe" data-layout="l-img"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-row"><div class="k-col"><figure class="k-img-wrapper"><img decoding="async" class="k-img" src="https://cms.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ADHD-doctor-online.jpg" alt="Woman in blue shirt talking to ADHD doctor online via telehealth" title=""></figure><p class="k-disclaimer">Free consultations with select providers.</p></div><div class="k-col"><h2 class="k-headline">Get peace of mind and a free consultation</h2><div class="k-desc"><p>Talk to a licensed ADHD provider.</p></div><a class="k-cta k-cta--button" href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/adhd target="_blank">Find a provider</a><p class="k-disclaimer">Free consultations with select providers.</p></div></div></div></div><p>If you think you have ADHD, getting a diagnosis and treatment can help you live a more fulfilling life. <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/adhd target="_blank">Find an ADHD provider</a> on Klarity Health today for a comprehensive mental health evaluation and treatment if needed.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Symptoms_of_ADHD_and_ADHD_in_women'>Symptoms of ADHD and ADHD in women</h2><p>ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people of all genders. While ADHD often presents differently in men and women, its <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-symptoms-in-adults/ target="_blank">symptoms in adults</a> are the same regardless of your sex or gender.</p><p>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:</p><ul><li>Inattentive</li><li>Hyperactive-impulsive</li><li>Combined</li></ul><p>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:</p><ul><li>Losing things needed for tasks and activities</li><li>Being easily distracted by unrelated stimuli</li><li>Having trouble organizing tasks and activities</li><li>Making careless mistakes due to difficulty sustaining attention</li><li>Struggling to follow through on instructions or to finish tasks</li></ul><p>People with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD may present with symptoms and behaviors, such as:</p><ul><li>Having a hard time sitting still — often fidgets, taps hands and feet, or squirms in seat</li><li>Talking excessively and interrupting others</li><li>Having difficulty waiting their turn in situations like lines or conversations</li><li>Often feeling restless and having trouble staying seated when expected</li><li>Frequently acting without thinking, leading to impulsive decisions</li></ul><p>People with combined-type ADHD show both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. (Note some people prescribe to <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/7-types-of-adhd/ target="_blank">7 types of ADHD</a>.)&nbsp;</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_ADHD_in_women_checklist'>ADHD in women checklist</h2><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/lesser-known-adhd-symptoms/ target="_blank">lesser-known signs of ADHD</a> 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.</p><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="570" height="906" src="https://cms.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ADHD-in-women-checklist.png" alt="ADHD in women checklist image" class="wp-image-23834" style="object-fit:cover" title="" srcset="https://www.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ADHD-in-women-checklist.png 570w, https://www.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ADHD-in-women-checklist-189x300.png 189w, https://www.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ADHD-in-women-checklist-377x600.png 377w" sizes="(max-width: 570px) 100vw, 570px" /></figure><p>Download and print a PDF version of the <a href=https://cms.helloklarity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ADHD-in-women-checklist.pdf target="_blank">ADHD in Women Checklist</a>.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_How_is_ADHD_in_women_different?'>How is ADHD in women different?</h2><p>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 <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-in-women/ target="_blank">ADHD in girls and women</a>.</p><p>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.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">How ADHD symptoms are different in women and men</h3><p>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.</p><p>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 <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/depression-treatment-online/ target="_blank">depression</a> or <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/online-anxiety-treatment/ target="_blank">anxiety</a>, which they try to deal with using unhealthy coping mechanisms.&nbsp;</p><p>On the other hand, with <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-in-men/ target="_blank">ADHD in men</a>, 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).</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Girls and women with ADHD may have better coping skills</h3><p>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.&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Resources_for_ADHD_in_women'>Resources for ADHD in women</h2><p>Although ADHD can be difficult for anyone to live with, there is hope. There are many resources, including effective <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/adhd-treatment/ target="_blank">ADHD treatment</a> options, available that can help you manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Medication management</h3><p>Regardless of gender, the most effective treatment method for ADHD is <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/service/adhd-medication-online/ target="_blank">ADHD medication</a>. While stimulant medications (like <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/what-to-expect-when-starting-ritalin/ target="_blank">Ritalin</a> or <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adderallxr-vs-adderall/ target="_blank">Adderall</a>) are the most effective, there are also many <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/non-stimulant-adhd-medication/ target="_blank">non-stimulant ADHD medications</a> (like <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/strattera-adhd/ target="_blank">Strattera</a> or <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/qelbree-side-effects/ target="_blank">Qelbree</a>) available. It’s important to share your medical history and needs with your provider to find the right medication and dosage for you.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Therapy</h3><p>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 <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/depression-anxiety-and-undiagnosed-adhd/ target="_blank">depression and anxiety</a>, that often come along with ADHD.</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Support groups</h3><p>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.</p><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Key_takeaway&nbsp;'>Key takeaway&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>Although more and more women are diagnosed with ADHD, they’re less likely to receive a diagnosis than men.</li><li>Comparing your symptoms and experiences to the ADHD in women checklist may help you start better understanding what you’re going through.</li><li>If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment.</li><li>Treatment options for women with ADHD include medication, therapy, and support groups.</li></ul><h2 class= "subtitle" id='heading_2_Find_an_ADHD_provider_and_get_seen_in_as_little_as_24_hours*'>Find an ADHD provider and get seen in as little as 24 hours*</h2><p>If you think you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step to getting treatment. On Klarity Health, <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/condition/adhd target="_blank">find an ADHD provider</a> and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*</p><h3 class="wp-block-heading">You may also enjoy</h3><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/forgetfulness-and-adhd/ target="_blank">How ADHD impacts forgetfulness</a></p><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-anger-in-adults/ target="_blank">ADHD rage — what it is and 8 ways to cope</a></p><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-or-procrastination/ target="_blank">Is procrastination a sign of ADHD</a></p><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-paralysis/ target="_blank">What is ADHD paralysis?</a></p><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-fatigue/ target="_blank">Is ADHD fatigue why you feel exhausted?</a></p><p><a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/post/adhd-overstimulation/ target="_blank">ADHD overstimulation — symptoms, causes, and&nbsp; coping strategies</a></p><div class="wp-block-klarity-faq-section k-cmp k-section cmp-faq-section cmp-layout--default cmp-style--undefined" data-layout="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-head"></div><div class="k-section-content"><dl class="k-faq-list"><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3>Sources</h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p>BMC Psychiatry, Females with ADHD: An expert consensus statement taking a lifespan approach providing guidance for the identification and treatment of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in girls and women, Susan Young et. al, Aug. 2020, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7422602/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7422602/</a><br><br>Brain Sciences, Sex Differences in Substance Use, Prevalence, Pharmacological Therapy, and Mental Health in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Francisca Castellano-Garcia et. al, May 2022, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9139081/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9139081/</a><br><br>National Geographic, Women Are Being Diagnosed With ADHD at Unprecedented Rates, Jan. 2024, <a href=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/women-diagnosed-adhd-historic-rates target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/women-diagnosed-adhd-historic-rates</a><br><br>National Institute of Mental Health, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), <a href=https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd</a><br><br>The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, A Review of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Women and Girls: Uncovering This Hidden Diagnosis, Patricia Quinn et. al, Oct. 2013, <a href=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195638/ target="_blank" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4195638/</a><br></p></dd><dt class="k-faq-q"><h3>How we reviewed this article</h3></dt><dd class="k-faq-a"><p><em>This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the <a href=https://www.helloklarity.com/policy/editorial-standards/ target="_blank">editorial and medical review</a> process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.</em></p></dd></dl></div></div></div><div class="wp-block-klarity-disclaimer-section k-cmp k-section cmp-disclaimer-section cmp-style--default" data-style="default"><div class="k-section-inner"><div class="k-section-content"><p>*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.</p><p></p><p>The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.</p></div></div></div>

Dr. Geralyn Dexter

Symptoms of ADHD in women checklist

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