The three subtypes of ADHD and how they present differently in men and women.
1. Inattentive
This subtype is often characterised by difficulties with focus, organisation, and follow-through, but not necessarily hyperactivity.
Common behaviours or traits:
Frequently daydreaming or zoning out.
Struggling to start or finish tasks, especially those that feel overwhelming.
Losing items like keys, phones, or paperwork.
Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or what someone just said.
Presentation in women:
Women with inattentive ADHD are often labelled as "spacey" or "disorganised." They may be dismissed as just being forgetful or scatterbrained, which can delay diagnosis.
As girls, they may be quiet and well-behaved in school, often flying under the radar because their struggles aren't disruptive.
Women often internalise their struggles, leading to feelings of guilt or shame when they can't meet expectations.
Presentation in men:
Men may also appear forgetful or disorganised but might face fewer societal pressures to "keep it all together," so these traits might be less stigmatised.
As boys, they might perform poorly in school due to missing instructions or zoning out, which may lead to earlier detection.
2. Hyperactive-impulsive
This subtype is characterised by excessive energy, restlessness, and impulsive decision-making.
Common behaviours or traits:
Fidgeting, tapping, or an inability to sit still.
Talking excessively or interrupting others.
Acting without thinking, such as blurting out comments or making risky decisions.
Struggling with patience, like waiting in queues or taking turns.
Presentation in women:
Girls and women with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD might be seen as "chatty" or "overly emotional."
Their impulsivity may show up in social interactions, leading to oversharing or difficulty maintaining friendships.
In adulthood, they may feel a constant inner restlessness, which can lead to burnout from overcommitting to tasks or roles.
Presentation in men:
Boys with this subtype are often labelled as "troublemakers" or "hyperactive" because their energy levels are disruptive in school settings.
As men, their impulsivity may manifest in risk-taking behaviours, such as unsafe driving or impulsive financial decisions.
Physical hyperactivity may lessen with age, but they often channel it into hobbies or careers requiring movement and action.
3. Combined
This subtype is a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits. It’s the most commonly diagnosed form of ADHD.
Common behaviours or traits:
Exhibiting forgetfulness, distractibility, and a need to constantly move or fidget.
Difficulty managing time and responsibilities, often leading to chaos in work or home life.
Alternating between bursts of energy and periods of overwhelm or fatigue.
Presentation in women:
Women with combined ADHD often feel like they’re "failing at everything" because they struggle with both focus and impulsivity.
They may appear outwardly organised but feel internally chaotic, leading to “masking” behaviours to hide their struggles.
Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can worsen ADHD symptoms, making them feel even harder to manage.
Presentation in men:
Men with combined ADHD might focus more on managing hyperactivity than inattentiveness, especially in careers that require physical activity.
They may struggle with emotional regulation, leading to outbursts of anger or frustration.
Their disorganisation might manifest as a chaotic workspace or difficulty sticking to routines.
ADHD presents differently in men and women due to both biological and societal factors. While boys are often diagnosed early because of disruptive behaviours, girls and women may be overlooked, leading to a later diagnosis—often in adulthood. Raising awareness about these differences can help ensure everyone gets the support they need.
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