Archive · 16 Dec 2025
ADHD More Common Than Thought
ADHD is more common than people think, especially in women.
Many women and girls might not be diagnosed because their symptoms are different from those seen in boys.
Boys often show hyperactivity, which is easier to notice.
But girls and women might have symptoms like not being able to focus or feeling restless inside.
This can make it harder for doctors to recognize ADHD in them.
The American Psychiatric Association says this difference in symptoms might mean many women are not getting the help they need.
ADHD is more common than previously thought, with many individuals, especially girls and women, potentially under-diagnosed.
Symptoms in women, such as inattentiveness and internal restlessness, are often subtler and less noticeable than hyperactivity in boys.
Diagnostic rates and recognition often reflect external behavior, which is more prevalent in boys.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) highlights the need for better recognition of ADHD symptoms in women.
Under-diagnosis in women may lead to a lack of necessary support and treatment.
- Who
- Individuals, especially girls and women, may be under-diagnosed with ADHD
- What
- ADHD is more common than previously thought, with diagnostic disparities between genders
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Not specified
- Why
- Subtler symptoms in women, such as inattentiveness and internal restlessness, may be overlooked in diagnosis
- Diagnostic Challenge
- Under-diagnosis in women due to subtler symptoms
- Common Symptoms in Women
- Inattentiveness, internal restlessness
- Common Symptoms in Men
- Hyperactivity, external behavior
- Source of Information
- American Psychiatric Association (APA)