ADHD in Women: Signs, Subtypes, Resources & Next Steps

ADHD symptoms often present differently in women than men, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be hyperactive to have ADHD. The three subtypes of ADHD include inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type, with inattentive ADHD being the most commonly diagnosed among women. Inattentive symptoms are less obvious and include things like forgetfulness, time blindness, and frequent daydreaming. Here’s what you need to know about ADHD in women, along with resources and next steps.

Inattentive Type: 10 Signs and Challenges

Inattentive ADHD is the most common subtype among women. It’s characterized by symptoms such as forgetfulness, distractibility, and disorganization, and often goes unnoticed because symptoms are less obvious and disruptive than other subtypes of ADHD. Your greatest struggles will come from high distractibility and feeling zoned out, and you may be (incorrectly) labeled as lazy or flighty.

1. Difficulty focusing and being easily distracted by thoughts of what’s going on around you
2. Trouble paying attention to details, following instructions or listening to others
3. Time management problems- often late and having trouble estimating how long tasks will take
4. Difficulty organizing tasks and activities- messy workspace, piles of laundry or missed deadlines
5. Frequently losing things such as your keys, phone, or wallet
6. Forgetfulness, even when it comes to important events
7. Procrastination- avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, especially ones you find boring
8. Frequently switching from one task to another without completing any of them
9. High level of distractibility, whether it’s during a movie, reading a book, or trying to get work done
10. Over-concentrating on certain tasks- can easily become hyper-focused on something you find stimulating and find it hard to stop and concentrate on other, more important tasks

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: 8 Signs and Challenges

This subtype is characterized by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. You may experience symptoms like fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting others, and difficulty waiting your turn. It’s often easier to recognize than other subtypes as the symptoms are more overt and noticeable. Those with hyperactive-impulsive type also commonly experience mental health conditions such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression, which can further impact your well-being.

1. Fidgeting- tapping feet, doodling in notebooks, chewing on objects like pen caps, moving limbs, folding/ripping up paper napkins, etc.
2. Restlessness- difficulty sitting or standing still, frequently needing to stand up and walk around
3. Talking excessively and interrupting others- feeling an urgency to express yourself or take over conversations or activities
4. Difficulty waiting ones turn
5. Making decisions or speaking without thinking through the consequences
6. Obsessive social media use- repeatedly checking and responding to social media posts or DMs
7. Racing thoughts
8. Impulsive behaviours, such as impulse shopping and eating

Combined Type: 8 Signs and Challenges

Individuals who experience symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are likely to be diagnosed with combined type ADHD. Those with this subtype experience a combination of inattentive symptoms like forgetfulness and disorganization and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms like fidgeting, restlessness, and impulsive behaviour. Experiencing a combination of these symptoms can lead to more significant challenges in your day to day life.

1. Difficulty following through with commitments
2. Struggle with concentrating for extended periods and easily distracted by external stimuli
3. Hyperactivity and restlessness- may appear as always on the go, always moving or fidgeting
4. Difficulty regulating emotions and behaviour
5. Impulsive actions like interrupting others, speaking out of turn, and taking risks without considering the consequences
6. Time management issues- missing deadlines, showing up late to appointments, forgetting friends’ birthdays
7. Disorganized- having a hard time organizing or tidying up, leading to living and working in cluttered spaces
8. Often feeling overwhelmed

Helpful Resources & Next Steps

1. Read Books on ADHD
Reading books about ADHD can help you feel more informed, more confident, and less alone. They provide valuable information and insight on ADHD, as well as offer strategies to manage your symptoms. Hearing other people’s personal stories about living with ADHD can help you learn to work with, understand, and celebrate your brain to live your best life. Here are some books to read:

1. It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Creative and Colourful Life by Meredith Carder
2. How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It) by Jessica McCabe
3. ADHD for Smart Ass Women: How to Fall in Love with Your Neurodivergent Brain by Tracy Otsuka
4. You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy? The Classic Self Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo
5. A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly and Break Through Barriers by Sari Solden and Michelle Frank

2. Listen to ADHD Podcasts
Podcasts are another amazing resource for navigating life and thriving with ADHD. Not only do they provide a source of entertainment while doing mundane tasks or going for your daily walk, podcasts are also a powerful learning tool. Here are some helpful ADHD podcasts:

1. I Have ADHD Podcast
2. Hacking Your ADHD Podcast
3. ADHD for Smart Ass Women Podcast
4. The ADHD Friendly Lifestyle Podcast 
5. Women and ADHD Podcast

3. Consider Therapy
Therapy can be extremely helpful for those with ADHD. ADHD can have a huge impact on your daily life and therapy can teach you coping strategies, help you manage your emotions, and overcome challenges related to living with ADHD. A therapist can help you with time management, planning, and impulse control techniques, as well as emotional regulation strategies. Therapy may work alongside medication as part of an effective ADHD treatment plan.

4. Online Resources
There are also a number of online resources and supportive communities built for women with ADHD. We highlight some below:

1. Frida– a Canadian platform committed to providing faster, more accessible ADHD care including access to specialist clinicians who understand your needs and provide personalized, evidence-based treatment.
2. Minds of All Kinds– a community aimed at empowering neurodivergent people to learn, connect, and lead. They offer live programs, courses, and community events for those with neurodivergent brains.
3. Moms Living with ADD/ADHD– a Facebook group for moms who have ADD/ADHD to vent, rant, ask for advice, and encourage others.

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with ADHD, we hope these resources and next steps are helpful for the next stage of your ADHD journey.

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