ADHD In Women

By Sanam Sarawat

What Is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals of all genders, including women. While traditionally associated with boys and men, ADHD in women often presents itself differently, making it more challenging to recognise and diagnose. Until recently, most studies have focused on boys and as a result more is known about how males experience ADHD.

Symptoms

Women with ADHD may exhibit more subtle symptoms in areas such as:

Inattentiveness
Impulsivity and hyperactivity
Organisation, time management, and emotional regulation.

Additionally, women with ADHD frequently encounter internal struggles, including low self-esteem, anxiety, and mood disorders, as they often strive to meet societal expectations and mask their symptoms.

Why do young girls display differences in ADHD? Experts suggest this may be due to differences in socialisation and gender stereotypes. Society encourages girls to be more socially conscious. While girls may demonstrate forgetfulness or distractibility, ADHD may be missed due to their apparent strengths in social and cultural awareness.

Hormones

Existing case studies have also noted that hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen, may be associated with changes in ADHD symptomology. It has been found that when estrogen was high and progesterone low, ADHD females exhibited improved cognition and mood (and diminished ADHD symptoms). However, ADHD symptoms worsened in response to low estrogen/high progesterone. This can mean that menopausal women could be at risk of a misdiagnosis for ADHD if attending a mental health assessment.

Despite the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, increased awareness and understanding of the condition can lead to improved identification, support, and tailored interventions for this often-overlooked population.

Treatment

ADHD cannot be cured, however, there are options available to help lessen the negative impacts of ADHD on everyday life. These include medication, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and psychoeducation. Receiving a diagnosis is not only a way to gain access to the full range of treatment options, but also helps empower people to understand, accept and appreciate the way their brain functions