Understanding The Often-Overlooked Signs Of ADHD In Women

We all know the feeling of being overwhelmed or always on the go. It happens to the best of us from time to time, often signaling burnout as we juggle careers, relationships, family, and everything else life throws our way. However, for individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), these feelings can also be a persistent part of their daily experience.

ADHD is a disorder characterized by an ongoing pattern of symptoms that fall into one or more categories: inattention (like struggling to pay attention or stay organized), hyperactivity (like being restless or talking excessively), and impulsivity (like interrupting or acting without thinking). While ADHD can look different from person to person, it’s also important to recognize that symptoms may also present differently in women compared to men. For instance, a woman with ADHD might not always exhibit the more stereotypical signs often associated with the condition, such as overt restlessness or disruptive behavior. Instead, some women may experience challenges with organization, difficulty initiating or completing tasks, racing thoughts, or being easily distracted. Because these signs can be less obvious, they are not always immediately associated with ADHD. Unfortunately, this can leave many women feeling misunderstood and misrepresented in their experience.

So, what does ADHD really look like for women? There’s no one right answer, and it’s not always what you might expect. That’s why it’s important to learn about the different symptoms that ADHD can present. To break it down, here are the core symptoms by definition — but remember, every woman’s experience with ADHD is uniquely hers.

#1 Inattentiveness

When many people think of ADHD, they might picture someone who is always bouncing off the walls with energy. This can be true for some, but it doesn’t represent everyone’s experience. For women in particular, ADHD can manifest primarily as inattention. This might look like forgetting important details, having a hard time following through on commitments, or being constantly overwhelmed by day-to-day tasks. Think: that one friend who is always launching new projects but never seems to finish them, or the sister who shows up late — again — because she was distracted by a sudden need to organize her closet.

It might feel easy to dismiss these symptoms as personal traits (like thinking, “oh, she’s just a bit scattered” or “she’s always got a million things going on”), but for some, these can be symptoms of ADHD. What’s truly needed is awareness and education around appropriate strategies for help managing these symptoms.

#2 Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity is often considered a stereotypical symptom of ADHD. You might think back to your days in school, and the one classmate who just couldn’t sit still and was constantly bouncing off the walls with energy. For others with ADHD, hyperactivity symptoms can manifest as an internal sense of restlessness, a mind that feels perpetually “on,” or a constant need to fidget or move around.

While hyperactivity can sometimes be more outwardly apparent — especially in boys — and thus more readily associated with ADHD, its presentation can still be misunderstood. Behaviors such as frequent interruptions or constant movement might be misinterpreted by others as careless interaction rather than potential symptoms of ADHD.

#3 Impulsivity

Impulsivity is another core symptom of ADHD, which can involve making sudden actions or decisions without fully considering the potential consequences. While it can manifest in more overt ways like speaking over someone without thinking or hastily saying yes to a last-minute weekend trip even though you already have plans, it can also present in more subtle ways, particularly in women. Because of this, impulsive symptoms of ADHD can often be misdiagnosed, further complicating the journey toward an effective symptom management plan.

For some women with ADHD, symptoms of impulsivity can have a real impact on relationships, especially when impulsive acts or behaviors are misread as self-centeredness or a lack of interest in others. That’s why it’s important for women to understand the symptoms they may be experiencing and break free from the cycle of self-blame and misrepresentation.

Final Thoughts

It's important to remember that ADHD can present uniquely in everyone. For anyone diagnosed with ADHD or who thinks they may have ADHD, the first step toward understanding their experience is recognizing these potential symptoms and openly discussing them with trusted friends, family, and most importantly, a healthcare provider.

Ask your healthcare provider about your ADHD symptoms or visit Qelbree.com to see if Qelbree may be a good fit for you.

Qelbree® (viloxazine extended-release capsules) is a prescription medicine used to treat ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide.

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. 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.

QBE.2025-0214