A psychiatrist has detailed common indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women that are often overlooked by medical professionals. Dr. Ali Ajaz, a consultant psychiatrist with a substantial following on TikTok, highlighted five signs of ADHD in women and discussed the challenges of accurate diagnosis.
ADHD is a behavioral condition characterized by restlessness, difficulty focusing, and impulsiveness, as outlined by the NHS. While symptoms typically manifest early in life, some individuals may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood if symptoms were not recognized during childhood, especially when circumstances change, such as starting school.
In a recent video, Dr. Ajaz shed light on why ADHD presents differently in women and is frequently undiagnosed until later in life. He emphasized that ADHD in women may not fit the stereotypical image of hyperactive behavior seen in boys but can manifest in subtler ways.
Women with ADHD may be perceived as talkative, scattered, or emotionally expressive rather than hyperactive. They often mask symptoms through perfectionism and high achievement, silently struggle with organization, internalize hyperactivity as racing thoughts, and are prone to burnout from juggling multiple roles.
Dr. Ajaz stressed the importance of recognizing these differences to ensure accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Experts at Understood.org noted that girls and women with ADHD often exhibit the inattentive type, which may go unnoticed compared to the hyperactive and impulsive behaviors more commonly seen in boys and men.
They highlighted that women are less likely to display hyperactivity symptoms, contributing to lower diagnosis rates. The type of ADHD an individual has is determined by their predominant symptoms, guiding mental health professionals in making an accurate diagnosis.