Do men and women differ in ADHD forgetting? 

Yes, gender in ADHD forgetfulness is often manifested with men and women experiencing memory issues in distinct ways. While both genders can struggle with cognitive symptoms like forgetfulness, the patterns, and experiences often differ due to biological, hormonal, and societal factors. 

In general, men are more likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive subtype of ADHD, where impulsivity and externalised behaviours are more pronounced. In contrast, women are more often diagnosed with the inattentive subtype, which primarily affects focus and memory. This means women with ADHD are more likely to experience forgetting in subtle, less disruptive ways, such as forgetting appointments, misplacing items, or losing track of conversations. For women, ADHD forgetfulness may be overshadowed by other symptoms like anxiety or depression, leading to a delayed diagnosis. 

How forgetfulness differs by gender 

Here’s how gender in ADHD forgetfulness plays out: 

Men with ADHD, forgetfulness is often accompanied by more noticeable signs of impulsivity and hyperactivity. They may forget things in a more outwardly disruptive way, like interrupting others or losing track of tasks because they become distracted or act on impulse. 

Women with ADHD often struggle with internalised symptoms, such as memory issues tied to executive function. Forgetfulness may manifest in personal or professional life as missed deadlines, disorganisation, or difficulty managing time. These symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed or be attributed to stress or emotional difficulties. 

In conclusion, understanding the gender differences in ADHD can help improve diagnosis and treatment strategies. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Zoning out & Forgetfulness in ADHD.  

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.