The 15 Hidden Signs of ADHD That Overlooked Women Are Never Diagnosed With

• READ MORE: The rise in ADHD medication prescriptions is largely fueled by women in their 20s and 30s.

Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) ADHD ) have been steadily increasing over the last ten years - yet one group remains neglected: women.

Much of what scientists know about ADHD The findings come from research primarily centered on males, yet the condition manifests quite differently in females, according to Dr. Janina Maschke, a cognitive psychologist and ADHD coach.

Women with ADHD frequently face dismissal due to their symptoms, which can encompass traits like shyness, heightened sensitivity to sound, and mood swings.

They are frequently informed that they are simply 'energetic.' ' or because their symptoms are due to menstruation, anxiety, or depression .

In contrast, men are more likely than women to grapple with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness when affected by the condition.

This led to a system where three times more men are diagnosed with the condition more often than women.

Various estimates suggest that up to 75 percent of women affected by the condition remain undiagnosed. based on information from the Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada (CADDAC)

This is partly due to the fact that women find it easier to cope when they downplay their symptoms, according to Dr. Sasha Hamdani, a psychiatrist based in Kansas City said.

"Society praises women for hiding their symptoms," says Dr. Hamdani. posted on TikTok .

They conceal these symptoms due to being conditioned to be 'less disruptive and more compliant,' as stated by the source. Sachs Center For treating ADHD and autism.

As a result, they might adopt strategies such as being meticulous or overly systematic to conceal their inner distress.

To provide people with a clear understanding of how this could appear in women, Dr. Maschke told Newsweek 15 ADHD symptoms that women often experience, which you may not readily identify, are typical signs of the disorder.

The list encompasses: coming across as reserved and introverted, experiencing fluctuating emotions, regularly indulging in fantasies, talking excessively yet struggling with attentiveness, presenting as disinterested or lacking drive, reacting sensitively to sounds or textures of materials, requiring more time for cognitive processing, forcefully closing doors, getting sidetracked effortlessly, committing oversights due to carelessness, and habitually disrupting others or speaking without restraint.

Others argue that individuals with ADHD often have an active mind, which means that sudden sounds, odors, or physical sensations might lead to significant distress and overload for them, as mentioned. Community Health Network .

Some traditional signs of ADHD that you may recognize include finding it difficult to sustain concentration, experiencing challenges with organization, often forgetting things or being tardy, making 'reckless' errors, not finishing tasks, or constantly changing your line of thought.

Dr. Maschke mentioned that this variation in how symptoms manifest could result in boys being diagnosed more often than girls because they tend to express their issues outwardly and may disturb classmates at school.

That's why female ADHD is occasionally known as inattentive ADHD This could be due to the fact that women with the disorder might excel at seeming attentive externally—while becoming more inwardly detached—whereas men tend to exhibit disruptive behavior when they lose focus.

Women with ADHD are more prone to having difficulties forming friendships, and they face a 3.5 times higher risk of developing eating disorders, as well as experiencing depression and anxiety, compared to males with ADHD, reports CADDAC.

On the other hand, men with ADHD have a higher likelihood of developing issues related to substance abuse.

Although the condition might go unnoticed in certain individuals, ADHD diagnoses in the United States remain elevated and continue to increase.

CDC data shows the The number of prescriptions for ADHD medications filled by women between the ages of 15 and 44 rose by 344 percent from 2003 to 2015.

Approximately between 2.5 percent and 4.4 percent of U.S. adults, equating to around 11 million individuals, live with ADHD.

It is more frequently identified in children—approximately 11% of Americans aged three to seventeen suffer from this condition, which amounts to about 7 million individuals. according to the CDC.

That's approximately 1 million additional children diagnosed with the condition compared to 2016, indicating a growing trend that prompted the CDC to label ADHD as an 'escalating public health issue.'

On average, the age at which individuals receive a diagnosis is around seven years old. Additionally, 15% of males under 18 are identified as having this condition, whereas only 8% of females under 18 receive such a diagnosis.

Diagnoses often appear more frequently in children since ADHD research was primarily focused on younger populations at first, and there aren't specific official guidelines for diagnosing adults with ADHD. Dr Frances Levin , a psychiatry professor Columbia University , said.

Consequently, some experts suggest that physicians might be diagnosing this condition excessively—particularly in kids.

However, Dr. Levin stated that it's probable both accounts are accurate — some individuals might be receiving incorrect diagnoses, whereas Others are completely overlooked. .

"It's challenging to obtain an accurate count of how many people in this nation meet the clinical criteria for ADHD since there are no U.S. guidelines for diagnosing and evaluating ADHD in adults," Dr. Levin stated.

Dr. Maschke advised that if you think you might have the condition, it's wise not to make assumptions until consulting with a physician.

Initially, it could be beneficial to begin by seeking advice from a pediatrician or a mental health professional who can perform a comprehensive evaluation.

ADHD is generally managed through therapy, and for patients older than six, medication may also be prescribed. The therapeutic approach focuses on assisting individuals in enhancing their concentration abilities, building interpersonal connections, and managing overwhelming emotions effectively.