How ADHD Symptoms Affect Men and Women Differently

For decades, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been viewed as a condition that affects significantly more boys than girls. Now we know that the same number of women have ADHD as men, but differences in their symptoms delay a diagnosis.

Recognizing the differences can lead to an earlier diagnosis, allowing women to start life-changing treatment at a younger age.

At Michigan Avenue Primary Care, we specialize in ADHD evaluations. After making an accurate diagnosis, we provide customized treatments, helping each person manage and overcome their ADHD challenges.

Diagnosing ADHD

Men and women are diagnosed with ADHD using the same symptoms and criteria. Both genders may be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and combined (having symptoms of both types).

There are eight inattentive symptoms and nine hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Children must have at least six symptoms, while adults need five to be diagnosed with ADHD.

Inattentive symptoms include:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Having poor listening skills
• Losing or misplacing items needed to complete tasks
• Being sidetracked by unimportant stimuli
• Forgetting daily activities
• Starting but not completing assignments or being unable to follow instructions
• Avoiding homework or activities requiring concentration
• Failing to focus on details or making thoughtless mistakes

Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include:

• Squirming or fidgeting when sitting
• Struggling to stay calm or relax
• Being “driven” or frequently on the go
• Lacking the ability to enjoy leisure activities or quiet play
• Being unable to stay seated in class
• Being excessively talkative
• Finding it difficult to wait for their turn
• Interrupting conversations or intruding on others’ activities
• Blurting out answers before questions are completed

Despite using the same diagnostic criteria, ADHD symptoms can appear differently in women and men. 

Our specialists explore a range of behaviors and subtle nuances to identify ADHD. For example, daydreaming and being late for classes or appointments are common signs of inattentive ADHD.

Differences in ADHD symptoms

The three main differences found in women with ADHD are:

1. Girls have inattentive ADHD, while boys are usually hyperactive

In children and teens, girls are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD. Boys are more often diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type.

Since boys exhibit the disruptive behaviors expected in ADHD, parents and teachers recognize the challenges and seek a professional diagnosis.

By comparison, it’s easy to overlook inattentive ADHD. Parents may attribute inattentive symptoms to a lack of sleep or developmental stages. Preschoolers have short attention spans, kids are often forgetful or distracted, and hormonal changes at puberty can cause similar challenges.

However, both genders can have all three types of ADHD. Additionally, the differences seen in children tend to disappear in adults.

A study published in 2025 evaluated 2,257 adults with ADHD, including 881 men and 1,376 women. The researchers found that men and women were equally likely to have either the inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined type of ADHD.

2. Women internalize symptoms

Women often internalize their symptoms, especially if they’re hyperactive. Internalizing means they feel symptoms instead of showing them through behaviors. Males also internalize hyperactivity, but they don’t typically do that until adulthood.

Instead of being fidgety, always on the go, or disruptive (like hyperactive boys), hyperactive girls feel restless or agitated. They may stay isolated from friends and have a high risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

These internalized symptoms don’t meet the criteria for diagnosing ADHD. As a result, girls either go undiagnosed or are diagnosed with a condition other than ADHD.

3. Women mask symptoms

Internalizing automatically masks ADHD symptoms. Beyond that, girls and women may be more attuned to societal expectations.

As a result, women may do a better job than men of developing coping strategies that mask their symptoms. For example, in the 2025 study, women said they diligently relied on lists to stay organized.

Could you have ADHD?

If you have questions about ADHD or need to schedule an evaluation, call Michigan Avenue Primary Care or request an appointment online today.