“The Unique Ways ADHD Presents in Girls and Women”

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is usually discovered in childhood. Genetic factors play a major role in disease development. It is estimated that between 5% and 11% of children today have ADHD. Although some children naturally get rid of ADHD as they become adults, it is known that more than three-quarters continue to suffer from ADHD into adulthood. WebMD, an American health media outlet, recently introduced that although it is not well known, attention should be paid to girls and women because they show different aspects of ADHD than men.

In general, boys are twice as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. However, some experts believe that more ADHD diagnoses are made in boys because ADHD symptoms can be more difficult to detect in girls.

Also, because there isn’t as much research on ADHD in women as there is in men, little is known about how ADHD affects women. ADHD is most often discovered in childhood, but many women are unaware they have ADHD until adulthood.

There are three types of ADHD: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. The inattentive type is most common among female students. However, this symptom does not attract the attention of teachers or parents as much as hyperactivity.

Common symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD include:
• Lack of concentration and attention
• Easily distracted, confused or often loses things
• Often unable to finish a task once started
• Inadvertent mistakes

Like boys, girls with ADHD often get into trouble at school. However, unlike boys, girls are less likely to be scolded for ADHD. It’s because they don’t show hyperactivity like boys. Most girls with so-called ‘silent’ ADHD have trouble concentrating in class or have little social skills. Because of this, it is important for girls suffering from ADHD to see a doctor so that they do not miss symptoms of a learning disability such as dyslexia. A diagnosis of ADHD can initiate treatment for disorders such as dyslexia.

For adult women, ADHD can make it difficult to hold a job and cope with the stresses of everyday life. In addition, women with ADHD may have difficulty managing personal finances, completing household chores, and caring for children.

Girls with ADHD have been found to be more likely to blame themselves for difficulties with ADHD than boys with the same disorder. Having ADHD can make reading social cues more difficult, which can cause anxiety for many girls. This, in turn, can have a negative impact on your social skills, reducing your ability to make friends.

After all, ADHD often leads to depression, anxiety, and even eating disorders. Also, girls with ADHD are more likely to develop anorexia or bulimia than girls without ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD is the first step in getting the right treatment for it. Medications and behavioral therapies can help manage ADHD.

If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of ADHD, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Also, in general, teachers are less likely to detect ADHD in female students than in male students. Because of this, if a teacher mentions the possibility of ADHD in a female student, parents should take it seriously. ADHD is unlikely to go away on its own and requires appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of ADHD can change over time. Hormones can also change symptoms. Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause can affect how well ADHD medications work or how well ADHD symptoms can be managed. If you notice changes in your ADHD symptoms due to hormonal changes, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

People with ADHD go through very difficult times in their lives. However, if properly treated, living a normal life like others is not difficult.