Receiving an ADHD diagnosis (not to mention treatment) can be healing – and life-changing. That’s what recent research says (ADDitude Magazine, 2024). What does it take to get there?

Boys are still twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (CDC, 2024). However, the likelihood that girls are diagnosed has improved. Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH, 2022) cites that between 1991 and 2008, diagnosis rates increased in girls by a factor of 5.6 (compared to 3.7 in boys). 

Significant findings suggest that missed diagnosis in females is still a problem. Some experts attribute this to girls and women masking or hiding symptoms to conform to gender-based societal expectations. 

It’s time to stand up and be acknowledged!

Growth in Diagnosis

The number of women diagnosed with ADHD has increased in recent years. This is due to several factors, including:

• Increased awareness: Professionals are becoming more aware of ADHD in adulthood. 

• Better understanding of women’s experiences: Healthcare providers and women themselves are better able to understand how ADHD affects women differently than men. 
• Less focus on externalizing behaviors: Doctors and psychiatrists are now looking for a wider range of symptoms, including internalized ones. 
• More research: There is more research on ADHD in women, which can help identify symptoms. 
• Pandemic impacts: Many adults were diagnosed with ADHD while seeking treatment for stress, anxiety, and depression. 

How ADHD Manifests Differently in Women

ADHD symptoms in men are often externalized, while women tend to have subtler experiences. Here are some key differences:

• Emotional Regulation: Women with ADHD often experience heightened emotions, resulting in frequent feelings of overwhelm and intense emotional reactions to perceived criticism.
• Hyperactivity vs. Inattentiveness: While men are more likely to exhibit hyperactive behaviors, women tend to be “daydreamers” struggling to stay focused on tasks and conversations.
• Decreased Self-esteem: This includes symptoms like low mood and emotional instability.
• Chronic Disorganization:  Difficulty keeping track of tasks, belongings, or schedules.
• Burnout from Perfectionism: Setting unrealistic standards for yourself and feeling exhausted by the effort to meet them.
• Masking and Compensation: Many women with ADHD develop coping skills to hide their symptoms, including over-preparing and adopting perfectionism tendencies.
• Impact on Roles: Society often expects women to juggle caregiving, household, and career responsibilities, magnifying ADHD-related disorganization and time management challenges.

If these symptoms are familiar to you, consider seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist for a formal evaluation.

Summary

Women with ADHD face distinct challenges, including emotional sensitivity and the pressure of societal expectations. Historically, these differences have led to underdiagnosis. Fortunately, as awareness grows, more women find it easier to seek help and support. By recognizing the signs of ADHD and using effective coping strategies, women can thrive in both their personal and professional lives. 

If this resonates with you, share your story or questions in the comments below. We can break the stigma and support each other on this journey.

Copyright © 2025 by Edna Brown. All Rights Reserved.