Silent struggles: Why ADHD in women and girls is often missed ADHD is often underdiagnosed in girls and women because their symptoms may be more subtle and skewed toward inattentiveness rather than the hyperactivity and impulsivity often seen in boys and men.53Women and girls with ADHD may exhibit excessive talking, worrying, and perfectionism, compared to the typical hyperactivity and lack of focus seen in boys and men.33My 11-year-old daughter tells me she tries to sit still and be quiet [in school] but that it takes all her energy to do that...”— Mom of daughter with ADHD My 5-year-old daughter will not stop talking.”— Mom of daughter with ADHD These less disruptive symptoms, along with a tendency for women to camouflage (mask) their ADHD symptoms or have comorbid conditions such as anxiety or mood disorders, may lead to fewer referrals for diagnosis of ADHD.54 My 11-year-old daughter tells me she tries to sit still and be quiet [in school] but that it takes all her energy to do that...”— Mom of daughter with ADHD My 5-year-old daughter will not stop talking.”— Mom of daughter with ADHD Explore more Article ADHD in womenUnderstand how ADHD can present itself differently in women than in men and read how this affects diagnosis and recognition of ADHD for women. ARTICLE Women and girlsEnhance your understanding of ADHD prevalence in women through this article that covers the challenges that women face with diagnosis and co-occurring conditions. ARTICLE Gender myths & ADHDJoin Ellen B. Littman, Ph.D. as she discusses debunking common gender-related myths around ADHD and enhance your understanding of how ADHD is presented differently in males vs. females. previous Recognizing ADHD return Accurate diagnosis from diverse symptoms References 33. Kingsley E, Connolly M. Why ADHD in girls is often overlooked. ADDitude Magazine. Updated June 5, 2023. Accessed March 4, 2024. https://www.additudemag.com/the-truth-about-girls-adhd/ 53. Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen pN, Hovik KT, Øie M. BMC Psychiatry. 2013;13:298. 54. Why ADHD in women is routinely dismissed, misdiagnosed, and treated inadequately. Reviewed January 13, 2021. Accessed March 5, 2024. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-in-women-misunderstood-symptoms-treatment/