Are Adult Women Underdiagnosed for ADHD More Than Men? 

Women ADHD underdiagnosis in adults is a significant issue, with many women not receiving an official diagnosis until later in life, if at all. Studies show that adult women with ADHD are more likely to be underdiagnosed compared to men, often due to factors like sex disparities in how symptoms present and the common misinterpretation of those symptoms. 

Why Are Women with ADHD Underdiagnosed? 

Several factors contribute to the missed diagnoses in adult women: 

Different symptom presentation 

Women often exhibit ADHD symptoms in ways that differ from the classic hyperactive and impulsive behaviours typically associated with ADHD. Many women present with inattentive symptoms, such as forgetfulness, disorganisation, and difficulty focusing, which are less disruptive and more difficult to recognise in a clinical setting. This can lead to missed diagnoses or misdiagnosis as anxiety or depression. 

Sex disparities in diagnosis 

Historically, ADHD has been associated with male behaviours. Because ADHD research has largely focused on boys and their symptoms, the diagnostic criteria often don’t account for how ADHD manifests in women. These sex disparities lead to a delay in recognising the condition in women, as their symptoms may not align with the traditional ADHD profile. 

Coping mechanisms and masking 

Women with ADHD often develop coping strategies, such as perfectionism or masking, to manage their symptoms. This makes their struggles less visible, leading to the condition being overlooked for years. Many women may also hide their symptoms out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. 

The Impact of Underdiagnosis 

The women ADHD underdiagnosis in adults can have long-lasting effects. Women who are undiagnosed may struggle with untreated symptoms, leading to issues like low self-esteem, poor academic or career performance, and emotional challenges. A missed diagnosis also increases the risk of co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can complicate treatment. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and support tailored to women navigating ADHD. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Late diagnosis and gender differences.