Understanding ADHD Part 2: Why Do Women Experience ADHD Differently?

ADHD impacts both men and women. It’s not a disorder that discriminates. However, it can manifest itself differently between the two sexes. 

For example, women tend to experience ADHD a bit differently than men. That includes showing different symptoms, or even trying to explain away their symptoms due to a misdiagnosis. 

Let’s take a closer look at why women experience ADHD differently, and what you should do if you’re a woman dealing with some of these common symptoms. 

Underdiagnosis Problems

One of the biggest reasons why women tend to experience ADHD differently than men is that it can sometimes take them longer to receive the right diagnosis. 

We often think of ADHD as a childhood disorder, but that doesn’t mean everyone is diagnosed as a kid. Girls, in particular, are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed because it’s easier for them to mask their symptoms with high intelligence or a supportive home life that makes things easier for them. 

Even as women get older, they might be misdiagnosed because of other accompanying conditions. It’s not uncommon for women with ADHD to also experience anxiety, depression, or increased stress. All of these things can create symptoms sometimes associated with ADHD, including forgetfulness, distractability, and relationship difficulties. 

Silent Suffering

Women tend to be more reactive when it comes to ADHD symptoms than men. Because some of the common symptoms include forgetfulness, difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and getting sidetracked, women can be harder on themselves than men. 

That kind of self-punishment can lead to low self-esteem. It can make the woman dealing with those symptoms feel impaired, which makes their overall experience with the disorder heavier and more painful. Unfortunately, this creates a sort of vicious cycle that can be difficult to escape. 

Hormonal Shifts

Women also experience ADHD differently due to greater hormonal fluctuations. Women deal with these hormonal shifts during their menstrual cycles each month. But, they can also happen during pregnancy and menopause. 

What do hormones have to do with ADHD? 

When estrogen levels drop and progesterone levels increase, the symptoms of ADHD can become worse. Some women might find it harder to stay focused. Others might become more forgetful, or more likely to give in to impulsive thoughts. 

What Can You Do?

Even though men and women can experience ADHD differently, the treatment options are typically the same. Thankfully, medication, therapy, or a combination of both can make it easier to manage your ADHD symptoms and keep the disorder from defining your future. 

As a woman, however, it can be especially helpful to take matters into your own hands each day, too. That includes daily self-care practices. Things like getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising can all make it easier to manage ADHD symptoms. 

If you’re a woman dealing with other mental health issues, make sure to address them rather than ignoring or avoiding your feelings. Again, conditions like anxiety and depression can make ADHD symptoms worse, and vice versa. Whether you haven’t been properly diagnosed or you’re just having a hard time dealing with one condition or the other, it’s never a bad time to get help. 

Speaking of help, lean on your support system. ADHD can sometimes feel confusing and isolating, especially if you’re struggling with self-esteem issues because of it. Let those in your inner circle help you as much as they can. 

Most importantly, remember that therapy can make a big difference in how you feel and how you deal with symptom management. If you’re a woman with ADHD and you’ve been struggling to separate yourself from your symptoms, feel free to contact me for more information about ADHD assessment or to set up an appointment.