ADHD in Women
What exactly is ADHD for women?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects how different brain areas develop and work together. ADHD is a condition that begins in childhood, but most people don’t realise the diagnosis until they’re adults or teenagers.
It is more probable that the condition will affect individuals differently depending on their gender. Studies have shown that ADHD prevalence is higher among men and in those who are assigned the male birth (AMAB). There is evidence to suggest that women are more likely and females given when they were born (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD than was previously believed.
What ADHD symptoms are most likely experienced by women? suffer from?
The signs and symptoms of ADHD stem from the issue of executive dysfunction. Executive functions aid in managing attention and concentration, emotional regulation, self-motivation, impulse control, and self-control.
There are three subtypes of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and mixed. The type of subtype is determined by the symptoms you exhibit. The distracted and hyperactive/impulsive subtypes each have nine possible symptoms. To be a member of a subtype, you must show at least six signs for a minimum of six months. The mixed subtype needs six symptoms for each subtype (meaning that you must have at least 12 symptoms) that last longer than 6 months.
Women aren’t as likely to have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. That means they’re less likely to have the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes.
The symptoms of inattention are similar to those seen in the eyes.
The symptoms of inattention can affect the school or work environment and social connections. To qualify for the inattentive subtype of ADHD, you must satisfy at least six of these requirements for at least six months.
It is possible to make mistakes because of your inattention.
It isn’t easy to stay focused and on task.
It’s common for you to appear as if you’re not listening to you hear others talking (you “zone out” or are known as”a “thousand-yard stare”).
It is easy to start projects, but you need help following through and finishing them.
It is challenging to organise and establish priorities (especially when tasks or projects require many steps).
You prefer to avoid monotonous or boring chores, like tasks, duties, or paperwork.
It is easy to lose things, misplace, or even forget things.
You can easily get distracted by your surroundings or your thoughts.
You’re forgetful or numb during your day-to-day routine. You might need to remember appointments, pay your bills, etc.
Hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms
Hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms can disrupt relationships, work, and schoolwork habits. Women tend to be less susceptible to these signs, but they are still possible.
To have a hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD, you must have at least six of the following, lasting over six months.
You often fidget.
There are times when you need to get up and move around.
You often feel restless.
It isn’t easy to remain silent. You talk to yourself or use incoherent phrases or sounds (sometimes without having thought about or even consciously thinking about).
You’re extremely busy, and others need help keeping up with you.
You’re constantly talking (this could mean being too detailed and “info-dumping,” an informal phrase that refers to talking for a long time about something you like).
You need help with self-control in conversation (you often interrupt or interrupt others in their discussion).
You struggle with patience and waiting to be waited on.
It sometimes needs to be clarified what constitutes the boundaries of social interaction (you might interrupt or interfere with people without realising that others might consider the behaviour offensive).
How prevalent is ADHD for women?
The figures for how ADHD affects people are based on sex. Based on the most common estimates, the male-to-female* ratio is approximately 2 to 1 in early childhood. However, some studies have suggested that the balance may be at or above 17 to 1. As you age, the ratios are more comparable because females are much more likely to be diagnosed with this diagnosis in adulthood.
While studies confirm that the condition is more prevalent among males and females, there’s evidence suggesting that it is often undiagnosed for women. Researchers believe that there are a variety of reasons for this gap.
ADHD among women can be missed for several reasons:
Symptom types: Hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms, which are more common in boys and men, are usually easier to notice. It is more likely that both boys and men will be the focus of attention, which can lead to the diagnosis.
Bias: Since ADHD is more prevalent among boys and men, doctors and teachers aren’t able to detect symptoms in women. This can make it difficult for women to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
There isn’t as much ADHD research on women. Early ADHD study focuses on the effects of the condition on men and women AMAB. That’s the reason ADHD research, specifically for women, is a long way behind.
Criteria weaknesses: Some experts believe the written version of the criteria currently in use could be more effective and reliable in diagnosing women.
Stereotypes about sex, gender, and behaviour: ADHD-linked behaviours — incredibly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms — are often considered more socially acceptable for boys and men. In turn, women are more likely to hide or suppress ADHD behaviour to fit more easily.
Note: Research studies do not necessarily use terms similar to one another. Specific research studies use the terms male and female to refer to sexuality, whereas other studies use identical terms to indicate gender. To avoid confusion, “male” refers to men and women AMAB, while “female” refers to women or people AFAB. These terms are meant precisely the same way, as explained in the previous article.
SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES
What is the cause of ADHD for women?
Experts aren’t sure what causes or how ADHD can affect anyone. But, they know ADHD is a genetic connection. This means that your likelihood of developing ADHD is greater if, at the very least, the parents of one suffer from the disorder. If you have ADHD and your children do, they are more likely to be affected.
The people who have ADHD have neurodivergent disorders. This means that their brains develop and function differently than normal ones (which means their brains work as expected and are well-developed).
Researchers continue to search for an explanation as to why and how differences in brain development can cause ADHD. There’s evidence that suggests it could be due to changes in brain structure and chemistry or both. Researchers have also speculated that sex-related hormones or other characteristics could impact ADHD and its manifestations. This could explain why some symptoms may be more prevalent in males and boys.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
How can ADHD be diagnosed?
A medical professional (usually a psychiatrist or psychologist able to diagnose ADHD in either you as well as your kid. This usually involves asking about current as well as past signs. They also have questionnaires that are designed to aid in diagnosing ADHD. There aren’t any lab tests or medical tests that assist in diagnosing ADHD.
MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
How do you get ADHD managed, and is there any cure?
ADHD isn’t curable. However, it can be treated. Medicines are an essential part of treatment. Psychotherapy of various kinds is widely used. Therapies can help individuals with ADHD learn to cope with the consequences of the condition. Therapy may also aid with other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety frequently occurring with ADHD.
What treatments or medications are prescribed?
There are many different kinds of medicines that are able to help treat ADHD. These are usually drugs that alter the level of certain neurotransmitters. These are the chemical substances the brain uses to communicate.
Stimulants. Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Many of them are available in various forms, allowing shorter or even longer durations in the event that the medication is in use.
Non-stimulants. Examples include atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)), and clonidine (Kapvay(r)) along with guanfacine (Intuniv(r)).
Antidepressants. For example, bupropion (Wellbutrin(r)) Desipramine (Norpramin(r)) imipramine (Tofranil(r)) and nortriptyline (Pamelor(tm)).
