How ADHD differs in females

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by excessive inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorizes ADHD into three kinds.

Primarily inattentive kind

Combined type (with symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity).Females with ADHD can fall anywhere on this spectrum, although they are more likely to be diagnosed with the inattentive form rather than the hyperactive-impulsive kind that is more common in males. Several physiological and psychological hypotheses explain why this is. It could be owing in part to the structure of the female brain, in which the hippocampus is typically larger than in males. The hippocampus, which plays an important role in learning and memory, is susceptible to injury or impairment by a variety of substances or events. Females' hippocampuses contain more estrogen receptors than males'. These are cellular triggers that are activated by estrogen, the female hormone. This is significant because hormone variations that occur during a woman's life can impact brain functioning, which may play a role in the genesis and progression of ADHD symptoms. Sociocultural difficulties can further worsen ADHD symptoms in females, in part because social expectations concerning girls are generally different from those of boys. For example, "Girls appear obliged to do their education because our culture encourages them to be more socially aware. They desire to please more than males, and they are expected to perform well in school. A girl with untreated ADHD may thrive in elementary school but struggle in middle and high school as demands increase. As a result, research studies have indicated that females perform worse than boys on measures of mental health, self-esteem, and parent-child relationships. These alterations can lead to seeking validation through dangerous behavior, such as increasing the chance of adolescent pregnancy in girls with ADHD. Depression and anxiety are also more common in females with ADHD since ladies are often encouraged to accept their emotions rather than act on them violently, as boys do. This propensity can cause an emphasis on worry and depression, as well as a misdiagnosis of the underlying ADHD.

Who is more likely to get ADHD?

Although ADHD is assumed to impact men more than women, new study reveals that it is underdiagnosed in women (in part because inattention is less disruptive than hyperactivity and impulsivity). If this is the case, ladies' rates of ADHD may be more similar to males than previously thought.

ADHD signs and symptoms in females

Although ADHD typically begins in infancy and generally persists into maturity, it can manifest differently in different times of a female's life. Females are more likely to have mostly inattentive type ADHD, but it is also possible to have predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combination type ADHD. ADHD Symptoms in Girls A child's inattentive ADHD symptoms may differ depending on their developmental age and context. Girls with inattentive ADHD may exhibit behaviors such as poor attention to detail.Making reckless blunders on homeworkTrouble remaining focused,Being easily distracted.,Being unorganized or messy,Ignoring routine duties, such as housekeeping chores,Lacks active listening skills and fails to follow instructions.,Difficulty organizing and finishing activities.,Failure to meet deadlines.,Avoiding or disliking jobs that demand prolonged concentration,frequently lose stuff like books, keys, or school papers.On the other hand, ADHD can indicate that a girl finds it easier to finish things that interest her or remember details about people or topics that are important to her. Some studies have found that girls with ADHD prefer immediate incentives and may be motivated by them.Symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD in females may include fidgeting. difficulty keeping seated,Speaking excessively,Difficulty playing quietly,Difficulty waiting in line.,Interrupting or blurting out responses.Performing or speaking without thinking,Having trouble staying focused on a single topic,Making and losing friendships rapidly,Click play to learn more about fidgeting and what causes it.Girls with ADHD are more prone than boys with ADHD to have challenging interpersonal connections, especially around adolescence, when their behaviors can be perceived as tough, egotistical, or uninterested.7 They may also be more sexually active from an early age.

ADHD Symptoms for Women

For women with ADHD, coping mechanisms employed to compensate during childhood may be difficult to sustain or of little help in college, the workplace, or other adult situations.

Women with inattentive ADHD frequently present with symptoms such as:

Being continually called out for thoughtless blunders.

Unable to multitask or manage several relationships.

Missing deadlines

Symptoms may include "spacing out" during meetings or conversations, as well as difficulties with organization at school, home, or work.

Frequently misplacing or losing items, such as your phone or glasses.

Frequently missing appointments or failing to answer calls.

Trouble making decisions or developing manageable strategies

Female ADHD patients may exhibit restlessness and fidgeting tendencies, however hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are less prevalent.

Excessive talking, jumping between topics or tasks.

Symptoms may include frequent interruptions, talking over others, and difficulty sitting still or relaxing with them.

Trouble sustaining friendships

ADHD and Depression

Females with ADHD have a more difficult time dealing at job, school, or home, and they sense a general lack of control over their circumstances. These internalized feelings might appear as depressive symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, stomach aches, and difficulty sleeping. Even so, sadness is frequently hidden by hyperactive behaviors and might go undiagnosed.

Effect of ADHD

Girls and women with ADHD who are not treated may experience negative consequences, such as poor academic performance, behavioral problems, difficulty with interpersonal relationships such as friends or partners, low self-esteem, self-image problems, and co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety and depression. It is critical to get the appropriate diagnosis and therapy. ADHD is treated similarly in females and males, with a mix of medicines and psychotherapy.

Medications

Medication is usually the first line of treatment for ADHD in both males and girls. These include stimulants and non-stimulants, which treat ADHD symptoms in different ways.

Therapy

In addition to medication ofADHD-focused therapy can address a variety of concerns, including self-esteem, interpersonal and familial relationships, stress, and life management skills.

Depending on the signs and symptoms of ADHD, psychotherapy could include: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to identify and change harmful ideas and behaviors. It can aid with impulse control and self-regulation. In recent years, CBT programs tailored exclusively to adults with ADHD have grown in popularity. Neurocognitive Psychotherapy: This combines elements of CBT with other treatment approaches aimed at maintaining attention and concentration for extended periods of time. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), like CBT, is a tool-based therapy. DBT aims to improve mindfulness, self-acceptance, and self-esteem through one-on-one and/or group sessions that aid in emotional regulation as well as boundary setting and respect.

Summary

In summary, ADHD symptoms differ between genders. Girls and women are more likely to exhibit symptoms of inattention than hyperactivity or impulsivity.Although ADHD treatment is identical for males and girls, females appear to be prescribed ADHD medicines less frequently because their symptoms are either ignored or misunderstood (or because some people believe ADHD is primarily a male disorder).