Female ADHD is under-diagnosed and misunderstood. What follows are some of the factors that lead to this, and (spoiler alert), a recommendation that any woman who thinks she may have ADHD should seek out an ADHD test in Toronto in person or online.
Diagnosing Female ADHD
For decades we have known that boys are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as girls. The expectation that boys are naturally more aggressive provides, especially in a primary school setting, the fear that loud, rambunctious boys may present a danger to other children or even their teachers, leading to earlier interventions (especially for those with hyperactive ADHD presentation).
The evidence, however, is that girls/women actually have ADHD at about the same rate boys/men. Many think that girls are taught by society how to mask their symptoms better than boys, because social skills are emphasized in the raising of girls more than for boys. Others add that because girls tend to mature more quickly than boys, at every grade level their ADHD symptoms are better compensated for.
ADHD in women is continues to be disguised by cultural and gender stereotypes that prefer to regard women as passive, quiet , and demure. Women with inattentive ADHD presentation may be seen as reflective and ponderous, with allowance made for them being “dreamy” or “spacey.” Women with hyperactive ADHD may be seen as insufficiently feminine, or “loud,” having been marginalized as “tomboys” when they were younger.
Related: 10 Common Myths and Facts about ADHD Assessment & Diagnosis
Emotional Capacity and Female ADHD
At least partly based on gender stereotypes, it is widely observed that women with ADHD often see their frustrations living with ADHD as “their” problem. A man with ADHD may leave for work too late, and blame the traffic for his inability to arrive at work on time, where a woman with ADHD may blame herself for being insufficiently organized. Bear in mind that generalizations such as these aren’t true for every single man or woman with ADHD.
Believing that their ADHD-related struggles are theirs alone, ADHD in women often remains unrecognized because women (just as much as men) can feel awkward about sharing their self-doubt. Projecting confidence in the modern workplace is vitally important to advancing in a career: who wants to broadcast their shortcomings?
Internalizing frustrations can also lead to mental health issues arising from self-doubt, such as disproportionate anxiety or depression, social isolation, and erratic behavior such as over-sharing or impulsivity.
Verbosity and Female ADHD
ADHD in women often presents as nervous social energy. In many cultures around the world, men who fit the role model of the “strong, silent type” are prized as no-nonsense, hardworking individuals. If men are hyperactive, they are seen as “doers” with lots of “energy” who accomplish a lot. It’s true: men do have it both ways!
Female ADHD however often exhibits in verbosity and rumination. Since women are expected to talk more—we have all heard of a “chatty Cathy,” but have you ever heard of a “chatty Carl”?—many women find talking to be a safe outlet for their excess energy. Some men imagine that their talkative female date is nervous around them and take it as a source of pride.
When women express more of their energy physically they are often dismissed as “manly” or even “overcompensating.” This can be reinforced by work cultures where long hours, hard work, and reaching benchmarks are emphasized rather than quality of relationships.
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Inattentive Presentation of Female ADHD
ADHD in women more frequently presents as inattentive ADHD than for men. Inattentive ADHD does not serve up the same problematic behaviors as hyperactive ADHD. Sadly, girls with ADHD are often seen as quiet, polite, and just not as bright as the other girls. In a classroom setting, it is usually a case of “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” meaning that over-active children soak up a teacher’s time and energy while the under-active children are left to fend for themselves.
In fact, women with inattentive ADHD, when they are noticed, may be diagnosed as having a learning disorder and not ever tested for ADHD, because we still associate ADHD with the hyperactive presentation. Parents, teachers, principals, and even school nurses are more familiar with the hyperactive presentation.
One could hope this lack of awareness is eliminated by the time that girls become women, but most doctors do not receive adequate training in ADHD. Doctors are often not properly compensated for the time-consuming process of a thorough ADHD assessment which, because doctors are human, discourages them from seeking the training they need. Anyone seeking an ADHD test in Toronto would likely do better with a private specialty clinic.
Intuition and Female ADHD
People with ADHD, both men and women, often develop a strong sense of “intuition,” a multi-faceted way of knowing that blends intellectual, emotional, and even physical sources of knowledge. Any woman who thinks she may have ADHD should seek out a proper assessment and diagnostic process. If someone thinks they have ADHD, they probably do. But if someone engages a reputable process and they do not have ADHD, it is likely that the process will point them in the direction of better mental and physical health.
Don’t let ADHD Symptoms Go unnoticed
Early diagnosis of ADHD is vital to managing symptoms effectively. Are you frequently overwhelmed by tasks, easily distracted, or have trouble staying organized? These could be signs of ADHD. Contact us for a free consultation!