A doctor has shared insights on why women with ADHD are frequently misdiagnosed with conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The reduction in mental health stigma has led more individuals to discover that they have been living with a condition, be it autism, bipolar disorder, or ADHD, which stands for ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’.
This has enabled people to seek the necessary support and learn effective ways to manage their lives following a diagnosis.
However, women are often either misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed for many years. This is largely because the symptoms of ADHD in females are typically less disruptive compared to those in males.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Ali Ajaz has highlighted the five distinct ways ADHD manifests differently in women.
“Why ADHD looks different in women, and why most doctors miss it,” his TikTok began.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Ali Ajaz, consultant psychiatrist. Let’s talk about why ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until they’re in their 30s or 40s. The stereotypical ADHD image is of a hyperactive young boy disrupting class, but here’s what that picture misses.”
Let’s explore these insights further.
Ajaz noted that one symptom of ADHD in women can include being ‘chatty’, ‘scatty’, or ‘overly emotional’, rather than being overtly hyperactive.
The Canadian ADHD clinic, Talk with Frida, also highlights how women and girls with ADHD are often described as talkative or easily distracted, rather than ‘disruptive’.
In educational settings, girls might be labeled as ‘daydreamers’ or ‘chatty’, rather than being considered for assessment, which is often the case for boys with similar conditions.
“Number two, masking symptoms much better than men through perfectionism and overachieving,” Ajaz shared.
Indeed, many women with ADHD manage by overcompensating, which can leave them mentally exhausted—a topic that will be elaborated upon shortly.
Continuing, the doctor stated: “Number three, struggling silently with organization or maintaining a put-together appearance.”
Externally, women with ADHD might appear entirely in control—neat, reliable, and high-functioning. However, behind the scenes, they often struggle with the effort required to maintain these appearances.
Hyperactivity in women doesn’t always equate to physical restlessness. More commonly, it manifests as mental activity.
‘Internalizing hyperactivity as racing thoughts rather than physical restlessness’ is one reason many women are not diagnosed, Ajaz added.
Finally, Ajaz explained: “Number five, are much more prone to burning out from trying to maintain multiple roles perfectly.”
“This is why women often get misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression first. As a psychiatrist who’s worked with many women with ADHD, I see these patterns regularly. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.”