Why ADHD is Often Missed in Women and the Health Risks That Follow

For many years, society believed that ADHD — attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — was a condition that mostly affected young boys. Because of this, research and medical focus were almost entirely on male symptoms. However, experts now say that ADHD looks very different in women and girls, and this misunderstanding has led to a major health gap.

According to NPR News, many women grew up being told they were simply disorganized or not trying hard enough. Kate Jarvis, who was not diagnosed with ADHD until her late 30s, remembers being a successful student as a child. However, when she reached puberty, her ability to focus dropped, and her grades began to slip. Teachers often told her she had "potential" if she would just "apply herself." For years, she believed these struggles were personal character flaws rather than a medical condition. Like many others, she was treated for anxiety and depression, but the underlying cause of her ADHD remained hidden.

Julia Schechter, a clinical psychologist at the Duke Center for Girls and Women with ADHD, explains why these cases are so often missed. While boys with ADHD often show clear, hyperactive, or impulsive behavior that disrupts a classroom, girls tend to show different signs. They are more likely to appear distracted or have their "head in the clouds." Because these behaviors do not cause trouble for others, teachers and parents are less likely to notice them. As a result, girls are often diagnosed years later than boys, sometimes not until they are adults.

This delay in diagnosis can have serious consequences. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it affects how the brain grows and functions. It influences many parts of a person’s life, including social relationships and the ability to control impulses. NPR News reports that women with ADHD are more likely to have trouble with friendships and may face a higher risk of being treated poorly by romantic partners. Furthermore, these women are more likely to experience feelings of worthlessness, self-harm, or thoughts of suicide compared to those without the condition.

Beyond mental health, there are significant physical health risks. Dr. Patricia Quinn, a developmental pediatrician, notes that women with ADHD have a higher chance of developing obesity, eating disorders, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease—which affects the heart and blood vessels. These risks happen for several reasons. People with ADHD may struggle to keep up with healthy daily routines, have difficulty sleeping, and experience high levels of stress from trying to manage their symptoms without help. Additionally, some people may make poor food choices because their brains are constantly searching for dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps us feel pleasure and motivation.

Perhaps most concerning is the impact on life expectancy. A large study from the UK found that women with ADHD die on average nearly nine years earlier than their peers who do not have the disorder. This is also two years earlier than men with ADHD. Experts suggest that the chronic stress of living with unmanaged symptoms, combined with the other health risks mentioned, contributes to this gap.

It is important to understand that anxiety and depression are sometimes present alongside ADHD, but at other times, they are actually caused by years of living with an untreated condition. When doctors only treat the anxiety or depression, they miss the chance to help the patient manage their ADHD. By recognizing that ADHD presents differently in women, medical professionals can provide better support earlier in life. Understanding these differences is the first step toward improving the long-term health and well-being of women living with this condition.