ADHD in Men vs Women – How Much Does a Diagnosis Help?

ADHD has become a more common diagnosis the more we learn about what it is and how it affects people. It’s more likely that males are diagnosed with ADHD when they’re kids or teenagers. Females, on the other hand, tend to be diagnosed later in life.

Common ADHD symptoms in females include difficulty focusing and paying attention to details and struggles with organization, listening, and memory. Symptoms of ADHD in men vs women differ. Men tend to be fidgety or disruptive, always on the go, feeling restless and impatient, and demonstrating mood swings. There are two different types of ADHD – inattentive and hyperactive. Men tend toward the hyperactive side and women tend towards inattention.

Newly diagnosed ADHD in adult women has become more common these days. Growing up, girls with ADHD are either considered “dreamers” or “space cadets.” Boys, especially boys with hyperactive type are considered disruptive. It’s easier to diagnose someone who just won’t calm down, which could be the case for young girls too. This is a bit of a generalization, but women tend to be diagnosed later in life than men. 

While labels can be negative, it can be a positive thing to have an ADHD diagnosis. You’ll get the resources you need such as extra time on an exam if that applies to you. There are other benefits to having a diagnosis. The most undervalued but important benefit of having an ADHD diagnosis is that you know what’s wrong, and can find the people who can help you.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Females

Because women present differently than men, we have to look differently at women’s symptoms and traits. Common ADHD symptoms in females, as we’ve already covered, are part of the inattentive type of ADHD, hence the low rate of diagnosed ADHD in young girls.

Girls with the inattentive type of ADHD might be quieter and lost in their thoughts. They may struggle to focus on work and other people. Often there is comorbidity between ADHD in women and depression and anxiety. This just means that ADHD and anxiety and depression are both present in the person. They happen together.

Because of the fact that depression and anxiety can be comorbid with the inattentive type of ADHD in women, it can often go misdiagnosed as just depression and anxiety. Sometimes ADHD could go completely undiagnosed. 

Women tend to develop better coping strategies than men. This can also hide the fact that a female has ADHD. When you look at ADHD in men vs women, you’ll see that because men tend to be more hyperactive and women tend to be more inattentive it is easier to see the symptoms in men than in women. Women hide it better by looking like “dreamers.”

ADHD in Men vs Women

Because many men are diagnosed with ADHD at a young age, they receive services that help them manage their symptoms as they grow up. A lot of women are denied that privilege by going undiagnosed.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be disorienting, regardless of gender. It also might explain some things. Some people are relieved when they receive this diagnosis. Finally, they can get the services they need. 

Others are unhappy about receiving a diagnosis. Labels feel pathologizing and may make the adult feel as if there’s something wrong with them. Take it from someone who works with a lot of people with ADHD – there’s nothing wrong with you. You just have a neurodivergent brain that makes it harder for you to do certain tasks.

The biggest difference between ADHD in men vs women is the presentation and the lack of resources available to many women who spend their whole lives not understanding what’s wrong. Women with the inattentive type of ADHD might seem “quietly lost” while a man with ADHD might have a ton of energy and be the life of the party.

Even as an adult who came late to the ADHD diagnosis party, there are resources available. There are therapists like myself who work with people with ADHD. I’ve personally diagnosed adults with ADHD. I often find that the person is relieved to finally understand what’s going on in their brain! 

Therapy or Coaching Can Help You If You’ve Been Diagnosed With ADHD

Not sure how to manage your ADHD symptoms as a woman? If you want extra support, I’m here to help. I offer online therapy in Idaho and Iowa and coaching services wherever you’re located for anxious clients who struggle with things like people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, overwhelm, and ADHD.

Reach out today and see if we’re a good fit. Let’s start building a better future together.