ADHD often presents differently in women, so it frequently goes unnoticed and undiagnosed. Symptoms tend to be less disruptive. Even when women do seek treatment, their symptoms are often attributed to other causes. Doctors may dismiss their concerns as hormonal changes or write their symptoms off as anxiety or depression. As a result, many women suffer for years before finally receiving an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Awareness of how ADHD presents itself in women is increasing. More doctors now screen girls and look for symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity that significantly impact their lives. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can be life-changing, helping women better manage their symptoms, focus their energy, and achieve their full potential. 

How ADHD Symptoms Differ in Women vs. Men

ADHD manifests itself differently in women compared to men. As a woman with ADHD, you may experience symptoms that are more internalized and less hyperactive.

1. Hyperfocusing

For women with ADHD, hyperfocusing tends to be less intense and shorter in duration. You may find yourself deeply engrossed in a task for a period of time but then get distracted more easily. The upside is that you can direct your hyperfocus to productive tasks when needed. The downside is that it may be harder to achieve that state of intense concentration and harder to stay focused for long stretches.

2. Emotional Symptoms

Women with ADHD often experience more emotional symptoms like mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. The constant challenges of coping with ADHD symptoms can take an emotional toll and contribute to higher rates of comorbid disorders like anxiety or depression in women. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy and postpartum period may also exacerbate ADHD symptoms and mood issues for some women.

3. Time Blindness

Both men and women with ADHD struggle with time blindness, but women may find that their symptoms seem to worsen during hormonal changes or high-stress times. You know you must leave for an appointment in 30 minutes but somehow run late anyway. Or the hours slip away when you’re hyperfocused on an enjoyable task. Using timers, schedules, reminders, and planning ahead can help combat this tendency and reduce associated stress or anxiety.

4. Difficulty multitasking

While the stereotype suggests that women are expert multitaskers, ADHD makes it challenging for women and men alike. However, social pressures and societal expectations may lead women to take on more tasks and responsibilities, even when they’re difficult to handle. Learning to say “no,” focusing on one thing at a time, and asking for help when you feel overwhelmed can help you better manage multiple demands.

5. Sensitivity to rejection

Women with ADHD tend to be very sensitive to rejection, criticism, and perceived failure. Harsh self-judgment and negative self-talk are common and can fuel anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Practicing self-compassion, positive self-talk, and avoiding negative comparisons to others may help build resilience and ease symptoms. 

Impact of Hormones on ADHD in Women

Hormone Fluctuations

Women experience hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause that can intensify ADHD symptoms. As estrogen levels rise and fall, the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine are also impacted, which are important for attention and motivation. This means many women find their symptoms worsen around their period or during pregnancy. 

Menopause and ADHD

Menopause brings a major drop in estrogen, which can aggravate focus and mood issues for women with ADHD. Many women receive an ADHD diagnosis for the first time during menopause. 

Motherhood and ADHD

Becoming a mother brings a host of new challenges and demands on your attention that can intensify ADHD symptoms. Pregnancy and caring for a new baby requires significant executive functioning, planning, and organization. Lack of sleep and increased stress may also worsen symptoms of inattention or mood dysregulation. 

If, after reading through these signs, you feel you may experience ADHD differently as a woman, try anxiety therapy by booking a consultation with us today.