Symptoms and Treatments of ADHD in Women and Girls

ADHD, which is an acronym for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the signs of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.  A person may find it challenging to perform effectively in school or at work, maintain relationships, and handle everyday tasks as a result of these symptoms. 

ADHD symptoms may show differently in females and girls than they do in men and boys, and they may be less likely to display hyperactivity. Additionally, symptoms may be weaker and frequently co-occur with other disorders like anxiety or depression, making a diagnosis more challenging. It’s important to note that these are general trends and not every individual with ADHD will fit into them.

Apart from that following are a few ways that ADHD may present in your life:

• • • For those who have ADHD, relaxing is frequently challenging
    • Small things may cause you to lose control and become too emotional
    • You have difficulties achieving your goals
    • You experience anxiety and overload when you are in social situations, which can lead to you talking over other people
    • Despite being a great achiever, you feel unfulfilled since you have not reached your full potential
    • Being at work is challenging due to the loudness and crowds
    • You could wish you could do the things that other people do and be a better friend, lover, or mother
    • You tend to daydream during talks unless you’re the one talking or it’s a topic of your interest
    • When you were younger, you had a lot of energy, but not now as you are growing

ADHD can present differently in males and females, leading to variations in how symptoms appear and how easily the condition is recognized. Hyperactivity is often more visible in males, who may frequently fidget or talk excessively, while females tend to experience internal restlessness or mental hyperactivity. In terms of inattention, both males and females struggle to stay focused, but females are more likely to appear as daydreamers or have difficulty concentrating in quiet environments. Impulsivity is also seen in both groups; however, females are more prone to verbal or emotional impulsivity rather than physical impulsive behaviors. Additionally, females with ADHD often experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Because their symptoms are less outwardly disruptive and more internalized, many females remain underdiagnosed or overlooked, resulting in delayed or inadequate care.

If you have symptoms affecting your life, it’s normal to worry if you might have ADHD or another condition. Along with ADHD, other disorders may also be present. When you have more than one condition, they are called comorbid or coexisting conditions. Here are some co-occurring conditions that women often have in addition to their ADHD:

• • Mood Disorders: Women and girls with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
  • Sleep disorders: Women and girls with ADHD may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which can worsen their symptoms.
  • Learning disorders: Women and girls with ADHD may have a harder time learning and retaining new information, and may be at a higher risk for developing learning disorders such as dyslexia.
  • Behavioral disorders: Women and girls with ADHD are at a higher risk for developing behavioral disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or Conduct Disorder (CD).
  • Substance abuse: Individuals with ADHD may be more likely to engage in substance abuse as a way of coping with their symptoms.
  • Eating disorders: Women and girls with ADHD may have a harder time regulating their food intake and may be at a higher risk for developing eating disorders such as binge eating disorder or anorexia.

Treatment for ADHD in women typically includes a combination of medication and therapy. The most common medications used to treat ADHD are stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall. These medications can help to improve focus and reduce impulsivity, but may have side effects such as decreased appetite.

In addition to medication, therapy can also be an effective treatment for ADHD in women. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or coaching can help individuals with ADHD to develop strategies for managing their symptoms, such as time-management techniques and organizational skills. Mindfulness-based therapies can also help reduce symptoms such as impulsivity and inattention.

It’s important to note that every individual is different, and the treatment that works best for one person may not work for another. A careful diagnosis by a Mental Health Expert is necessary to provide a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

It’s also important to consider the specific issues that women with ADHD may face and to address them in the treatment plan. Additionally, it’s important to address any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, and work with the patient to create a holistic treatment plan.