ADHD differences in women and men

While gender can't completely predict someone's ADHD journey, there can be differences in how women and men present their ADHD symptoms, and their typical age of diagnosis.

Women with ADHD are likely to:

Experience symptoms of inattentive ADHD, which can be less obvious than hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. These include being disorganized, distracted, overwhelmed, or trouble initiating tasks

Mask or overcompensate for their symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis

Get diagnosed in adulthood, despite having dealt with ADHD symptoms since childhood. In fact, most women with ADHD don’t receive an accurate diagnosis until their late 30s or early 40s

Experience fluctuations in the severity of their ADHD symptoms over the course of their hormone cycles

Some women with ADHD are likely to be called out for:

Being overwhelmed
Being chronically disorganized
Exhibiting poor time management/chronic lateness
Experiencing low self-esteem
Being unable to manage daily activities/chores
Finding that making/keeping friendships is difficult

Increasing visibility

The percentage of women newly diagnosed with ADHD between 23-29 and 30-49 years of age nearly doubled in just 2 years, from 2020 to 2022.

Research now points to the fact that the prevalence of ADHD in adult women is significant. And we are in need of better training and tools to diagnose and support treatment.

It wasn’t until my own daughter was diagnosed with ADHD that I thought ‘Wait this is totally me.’ I talked to my doctor and I was diagnosed.”

Busy Philipps

Actor, author, and parent with ADHD 
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See Busy’s story

Men with ADHD are likely to:

Experience symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive ADHD

Get diagnosed in childhood, as they’re more likely to act out in the classroom or at home

Engage in “externalizing” behavior, or hyperactive/impulsive behaviors directed outwardly toward other people or one’s environment

Some men with ADHD are likely to be called out for:

Sloppiness or careless mistakes
Trouble listening
Forgetting appointments
Procrastination
Restlessness
Disorganization or misplacing things constantly
Excessive talking
Inability to contain frustration

Having open conversations about ADHD helps to reduce the stigma and provides an opportunity for individuals to learn from, educate, and empower one another.”

Jay Glazer

TV personality with ADHD
Paid spokesperson for Qelbree

See Jay’s story

Closing the gap

Both men’s and women’s ADHD experiences are challenging and valid. But if we’re to close this diagnosis gap, knowing how they may differ is key. Luckily, as ADHD awareness continues to rise, so do the number of women getting diagnosed and treated.

Taking the next step toward treatment

Knowing common symptoms and differences in gender experiences of ADHD is the first step. Getting a diagnosis from your healthcare provider, discussing your experience, and learning about treatment options can continue your journey toward managing ADHD.

Get a free personalized Discussion Guide

Learn more about how Qelbree may help

INDICATION

Qelbree^® (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is a prescription medicine used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 6 years and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Qelbree may increase suicidal thoughts and actions, in children and adults with ADHD, especially within the first few months of treatment [read more] or when the dose is changed. Tell your doctor if you or your child have (or if there is a family history of) suicidal thoughts or actions before starting Qelbree. Monitor your or your child’s moods, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings during treatment with Qelbree. Report any new or sudden changes in these symptoms right away.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Qelbree may increase suicidal thoughts and actions, in children and adults with ADHD, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. [read more] Tell your doctor if you or your child have (or if there is a family history of) suicidal thoughts or actions before starting Qelbree. Monitor your or your child’s moods, behaviors, thoughts, and feelings during treatment with Qelbree. Report any new or sudden changes in these symptoms right away.

You should not take Qelbree if you or your child:
Take a medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI in the past 14 days. Also, you or your child should avoid alosetron, duloxetine, ramelteon, tasimelteon, tizanidine, and theophylline.

Qelbree can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Your or your child’s doctor will monitor these vital signs.

Qelbree may cause manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Tell your doctor if you or your child show any signs of mania.

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Qelbree will affect you or your child. Qelbree may cause you or your child to feel sleepy or tired.

The most common side effects of Qelbree in patients 6 to 17 years are sleepiness, not feeling hungry, feeling tired, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and irritability, and in adults, insomnia, headache, sleepiness, tiredness, nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and constipation. These are not all the possible side effects of Qelbree.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Medication Guide, including Boxed Warning.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT QELBREE