A physician has highlighted common indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women. The doctor discussed the signs typically observed in women with ADHD and explained why medical professionals often overlook or misinterpret them.
Dr. Ali Ajaz, a consultant psychiatrist with a substantial following on TikTok, regularly provides insights to his audience. In a recent video, he outlined five signs that suggest ADHD in women and explored the reasons behind the frequent failure to diagnose or misdiagnose the condition.
ADHD is characterized as a behavioral disorder, with symptoms including restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsive behavior according to the NHS. These symptoms usually manifest early in life and may become more noticeable in new environments like starting school. In some cases, ADHD may not be identified until adulthood.
In a recent online post, Dr. Ajaz delved into the topic of “Female ADHD” and highlighted the challenges doctors face in recognizing this condition in women. He emphasized that ADHD can present differently in women compared to the traditional hyperactive young boys often associated with the disorder.
The doctor pointed out several key differences in how ADHD manifests in women, such as being labeled as talkative, scatterbrained, or overly emotional rather than hyperactive. Women may also mask their symptoms through perfectionism and high achievement, struggle with organization while appearing put together, internalize hyperactivity as racing thoughts, and experience burnout from trying to juggle multiple roles flawlessly.
Dr. Ajaz stressed the importance of understanding these distinctions for accurate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ADHD in women. Specialists at Understood.org highlighted that girls and women predominantly exhibit the inattentive type of ADHD, which may lead to underdiagnosis due to the less conspicuous nature of inattentiveness compared to hyperactivity and impulsivity commonly seen in boys and men.
They further noted that women are less likely to exhibit hyperactivity as a symptom, contributing to lower diagnosis rates. The specific symptoms individuals display determine the type or presentation of ADHD they have, and mental health professionals prioritize these primary symptoms when diagnosing the condition.