A mental health expert has highlighted the often misunderstood signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women, shedding light on five subtle indicators of the condition that are frequently overlooked.
Professor Ahmed Hankir, a consultant psychiatrist and author, who engages with his large following on TikTok, recently addressed the topic of ADHD in women. He emphasized how the condition can sometimes be misdiagnosed as other disorders.
In a viral video captioned “ADHD in women is often misunderstood — here are 5 subtle but powerful signs many people miss,” Professor Hankir outlined key traits of high-functioning ADHD in women. These included hypersensitivity to rejection and criticism, difficulty regulating emotions, chronic disorganization, masking behaviors, and inattention leading to overcompensation.
The expert emphasized that while these signs may resonate with individuals, it does not definitively indicate ADHD. He encouraged those experiencing these symptoms to consult their family doctor for a proper assessment to understand if ADHD or another condition might be at play.
Experts at Understood.org noted that girls and women with ADHD often exhibit the inattentive type, which can go unnoticed compared to the more overt symptoms seen in boys and men. They highlighted that women are less likely to display hyperactivity, contributing to underdiagnosis in this group.
Understanding the various presentations of ADHD is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Mental health professionals assess the primary symptoms to determine the specific type of ADHD an individual may have.