ADHD Is Often Missed in Women
“Girls with ADHD tend to present with more internalizing symptoms like inattention, disorganization, and distractibility,” says Allison Deutch, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. “Internalizing symptoms are more subtle and may delay diagnosis.” Boys, on the other hand, often exhibit more externalizing symptoms such as oppositional, disruptive, or hyperactive behavior, which may lead to higher rates of referral for diagnosis and treatment.
Even hyperactive symptoms in girls may be interpreted differently, Dr. Deutch explains. “For example, talking excessively, having difficulty staying on task, fidgeting, daydreaming, and becoming quick to anger may be dismissed as ‘personality traits’ rather than signs of a disorder,” she says.
“They’re the people with color-coded calendars, multiple reminders, detailed notes, and backup plans for everything,” she explains. “From the outside, it can look like they have it all together. What people don’t see is how much effort it takes to keep all the plates spinning.”
Because they’re functioning well on the surface, ADHD may continue to go unrecognized for years. “By the time they connect the dots, it may not be until adulthood or even midlife,” Dr. Saul says.
