Contrary to what you may have heard or read elsewhere, ADHD can impact people of all ages and genders, including adult women. When you understand what ADHD symptoms in women look like, you will be better prepared to recognize the signs and get help for yourself or a loved one.
ADHD in Women
Ask most people what attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) looks like, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear descriptions of middle school students who can’t remain on task or even stay in their seat. But ADHD is more complex – and affects a broader scope of people – than this stereotype suggests.
For example:
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about 4.4% of adults ages 18-44 in the U.S. have ADHD. This includes 5.4% of men and 3.2% of women in this age range.
- In October 2023, the journal Psychiatry Research published an umbrella review that analyzed 57 prior studies involving more than 21.1 million adults. That review determined that 3.1% of adults ages 18 and above have ADHD.
Though estimates of the total number of people with ADHD vary somewhat, there is no question that this number includes millions of adult women. Why, then, does there seem to be such a lack of public awareness of ADHD in women?
Here are a few possible reasons:
- As alluded to above – and as we will discuss in greater detail in the next section – ADHD symptoms in women don’t always align with the generally accepted view of what ADHD looks like.
- Many adult women with ADHD may not realize they have the condition, and thus don’t seek treatment. This prevents them from learning about the disorder and understanding how to manage its symptoms.
- Women who do report symptoms of ADHD to their doctor may be either dismissed or misdiagnosed with other conditions.
The one common factor in each of these scenarios is that ADHD in women can appear differently than in adolescents or in adults of other genders.
ADHD Symptoms in Women
We’ve mentioned a few times that ADHD’s impact on adult women may differ considerably from how the disorder affects people in other demographic groups. What, specifically, are these differences?
As exhibited by the stereotypical middle schoolers that we mentioned in the previous section, the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD are often what first come to mind when we think about this condition.
Would it surprise you to know that neither hyperactivity nor impulsivity are requirements for an ADHD diagnoses?
As established in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADHD is characterized by “a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.”
For purposes of this discussion, the most important word in that quote from the DSM-5 is “or.” This means that a person doesn’t need to have both types of symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD.
To emphasize this, the DSM-5 description of ADHD also includes three specifiers that indicate which types of symptoms a person primarily exhibits:
- Predominantly inattentive presentation
- Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation
- Combined presentation
Many women with ADHD qualify for the “predominantly inattentive presentation” specifier, which means that they are likely to:
- Struggle to organize their tasks and responsibilities
- Lose or misplace items such as their phone, glasses, and keys
- Be easily distracted
- Have difficulty remaining focused on a task until it is completed
- Appear to be forgetful or absentminded
When women with ADHD have hyperactive or impulsive symptoms, they may not be as obvious as what we might expect. For example, they may involve:
- Habitually clicking a pen or tapping their feet
- Always seeming to be overscheduled or otherwise “on the go”
- Often showing up late to meetings or appointments – or missing them altogether
- Becoming easily frustrated when required to wait in line
- Speaking rapidly, dominating conversations, and/or interrupting others
If you suspect that you or another woman in your life has ADHD, you can’t diagnose yourself (or them) simply by reading a list of symptoms. The ideal first step is to schedule an assessment with your doctor or another trusted professional who will give your symptoms and concerns the attention they deserve.
How is ADHD in Women Treated?
Another common piece of misinformation about ADHD is that medication is all that’s needed to treat it.
Yes, prescription medications such as Adderall and Ritalin can ease some symptoms that are commonly associated with ADHD, but many people who have this condition benefit from a comprehensive approach that also incorporates therapy and education.
An ideal course of treatment for ADHD can be influenced by several personal factors, including:
- How long a woman has been living with ADHD
- The nature and severity of her symptoms
- If she has any co-occurring mental health concerns
- How her life has been impacted by ADHD
Depending on these and other relevant pieces of information, a woman’s care for ADHD may include elements such as:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group therapy sessions
- Family therapy and education
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Skills training in areas such as time management and organization
If a woman with ADHD has also been living with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition, it is important that her care also addresses these co-occurring concerns.
This underscores the value of finding a provider who will assess the full scope of each patient’s needs, then develop a comprehensive, personalized plan just for them.
Contact Montare Behavioral Health About Our Women’s ADHD Treatment Program
Montare Behavioral Health offers life-affirming care for adult women who have ADHD and other mental health disorders.
Our network includes several trusted treatment centers in convenient locations throughout Southern California. Treatment options within our network include residential care, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programming, and outpatient services.
In every program at every location, you can expect to receive personalized care and comprehensive support in a safe and welcoming environment.
For detailed information about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
