Understanding ADHD
ADHD in women
In children, boys are diagnosed much more often than girls. In adults, the difference is a lot smaller. Many women only find out late that their symptoms fit ADHD.
Why it is often recognised later
Less noticeable
Girls and women more often have the inattentive type. It is less noticeable, which means ADHD is more often overlooked.Adapting and compensating
Many girls adapt socially and work extra hard to keep up. In the long run, that can be exhausting.A different kind of hyperactivity
In women, hyperactivity can show itself as talking a lot rather than physical restlessness.Hormones
Research points to more mood swings before menstruation, after giving birth and during the menopause. More research is being done on this.
Men and women in figures
- Children, in population studies: about 2 boys to 1 girl.
- In healthcare, girls are diagnosed even much less often than boys.
- Adults in the Netherlands with ADHD: 3.7 per cent of men and 2.7 per cent of women.
Do you recognise yourself in this?
Even if you have seemed to function well for years, your symptoms may fit ADHD. The self-test gives a first impression that you can discuss with your GP.
Take the self-testQuestions about ADHD in women
- There is no separate type for women, but girls and women more often have the inattentive type. It is less noticeable.
- Research points to more mood swings before menstruation, after giving birth and during the menopause. More research is being done on this. Feel free to discuss it with your practitioner.
- Always discuss a wish to have children or a pregnancy with your practitioner. More about medication
Sources
- Impuls & Woortblind – Women and ADHD (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Trimbos / VZinfo – ADHD in the population (NEMESIS-3) (in Dutch) (opens in a new window)
- Kooij et al. (2019) – European consensus statement on ADHD in adults (opens in a new window)
Checked in October 2026.
Understanding ADHD
Read more
- What is ADHD?ADHD explained: the three core features, the three types according to the DSM-5, what happens in the brain, what causes ADHD and which misconceptions exist.
- ADHD in adultsWhat ADHD looks like in adults: inner restlessness, planning and organising, emotions. Why it is often only discovered late, and how common it is.
- ADHD in childrenFor parents: how ADHD shows itself in children, where you can go (youth health doctor, neighbourhood team, GP), what you can do at home and what changes at 18.
Do you recognise yourself in this?
The self-test gives you a first impression in about five minutes. It is not a diagnosis; discuss the result with your GP.