ADHD in women too? Yes, let's talk about this! (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Do you sometimes feel like your head is out of place? Do you have difficulty concentrating on even the smallest tasks? Or do you feel like your mind is wandering somewhere even when you are talking to a friend? Do you often forget things? If these things happen to you often, perhaps what we are going to talk about will be very important to you. Today we are talking about a condition that is also seen in women, but is often not properly diagnosed. That is `ADHD` or `(Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)`.

What is ADHD? How does it affect women?

Simply put, ADHD is a condition that occurs due to changes in the way parts of our brain develop and work together. Although it can start in childhood , many people, especially women, are diagnosed with it later in life, either as teenagers or as adults.

Although the condition can affect both men and women, there are some differences in how it affects them. Although research has shown that ADHD is more common in men, there is now evidence that more women suffer from the condition than previously thought . The problem is that it is often underdiagnosed because the symptoms in women are sometimes a little different and because of certain societal attitudes.

What are the most common ADHD symptoms in women?

The symptoms of ADHD are mainly related to something called ``Executive Dysfunction.`` This means that some of the executive functions in our brain, such as maintaining attention, keeping our minds focused, controlling emotions, controlling impulses, and developing self-motivation, do not work properly.

There are three main types of ADHD:

1. Inattentive type : These people have difficulty keeping their minds focused and tend to forget things more often.

2. Hyperactive/Impulsive type : These people are constantly restless, have difficulty staying in one place, and act in an impulsive manner.

3. Mixed type : These people have characteristics of both the types mentioned above.

Most importantly, women are less likely to have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms . This means they are less likely to have either ADHD or mixed ADHD. Women often exhibit inattentive symptoms.

Inattentive-type symptoms

These symptoms can interfere with your work, academic work, and social relationships. See if you've had any of these symptoms for more than six months:

• I often make small mistakes due to lack of attention. I work without paying attention to details.
• It's difficult to stay focused on a task and see it through to completion.
• They don't seem to be listening properly when others are talking (as if their head is somewhere else, some say they are "lost in their thoughts").
• It's easy to start a task, but it's very difficult to finish it.
• It's hard to prioritize, organize things, and decide what to do first and what to do later (especially when it comes to tasks with lots of steps).
• They really dislike and avoid boring tasks, such as paperwork and housework.
• Things are always lost, misplaced, or forgotten. I'm always looking for my pen, keys, and phone.
• It's easy to get distracted by something small around you or by another thought that comes to your mind.
• Even in everyday tasks, we forget things. Maybe we forget a doctor's appointment or a bill due date.

Imagine that Nimali has an important `report` to prepare at the office. She starts preparing it, but after a while she sees a `notification` on her phone and goes to check it. Then she remembers something else. When she comes back to the `report`, she doesn't even remember where she left off. If this happens often, it could be a symptom of `ADHD`.

Hyperactive/Impulsive-type symptoms

Although these symptoms are rare among women, they are not completely absent. These can also interfere with your relationships, work, and studies. See if you have at least six of these symptoms for more than six months:

• Constantly fidgeting, having difficulty staying in one place. (fidgeting)
• I constantly have to get up and walk around. It's hard to stay in a chair for long.
• I always feel restless.
• It's hard to stay silent. I talk to myself, or I say meaningless words and sounds (sometimes not intentionally, but spontaneously).
• You are unusually active, making it difficult for others to work with you.
• Talking too much (sometimes `over-explaining` themselves, or talking about something they are passionate about - this is also called `(info-dumping)`).
• Has difficulty controlling oneself during conversations (constantly interrupts others, answers before they finish their sentences).
• It's hard to be patient and wait for your turn.
• Social boundaries are not always understood (they may inadvertently interrupt other people's conversations or activities, and may not realize that this is a nuisance to others).

How common is ADHD among women? Why is it not properly diagnosed?

There are different opinions about the extent to which ADHD affects women and men. According to most studies, the ratio of boys to girls in childhood is about 2:1. This means that two girls have ADHD for every one boy. However, some studies have shown that this ratio can be as high as 17:1. However, by adulthood, this ratio is more similar. This is because women are diagnosed with the condition in adulthood.

Although research has confirmed that the condition is more common in boys and men, there is also evidence that it is more likely to go undiagnosed in women . Researchers suspect that this may be due to several factors:

• Nature of symptoms: The hyperactive/impulsive symptoms that are more common in boys and men are more easily noticed by others, making them more likely to be diagnosed. Inattentive symptoms in women are not as obvious.
• Bias: Because ADHD is thought to be more common in males, doctors and even teachers may not pay as much attention to these symptoms in females. This can delay women from receiving proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Lack of ADHD research in women: Early ADHD research focused mostly on how it affects men, so there is a lack of female-specific ADHD research.
• Shortcomings of current diagnostic criteria: Some experts argue that current diagnostic criteria are not very helpful in diagnosing ADHD in women, or that they are not very accurate.
• Gender and behavioral stereotypes: ADHD-related behaviors – especially hyperactive traits – are considered somewhat socially acceptable for boys and men. However, if a girl is naughty, it is considered "not a good thing," so women try to mask and suppress these ADHD traits to fit in.

What causes ADHD?

Experts still don't fully understand why or how ADHD occurs. But they do know that ADHD has a strong genetic link . This means that if one of your parents has ADHD, you are more likely to develop ADHD. If you have ADHD, your children are more likely to develop it too.

We call people with ADHD ``Neurodivergent.'' This means that the way their brains have developed and function is different from those of ``Neurotypical'' (i.e., those whose brains develop and function as expected).

Researchers are still trying to figure out how these changes in brain development cause ADHD. There is evidence that it may be due to changes in brain structure, chemical makeup, or both. There is also some suspicion that sex-based hormones or other factors may influence ADHD and its symptoms. This may be why some symptoms are more common in boys and men.

How do you know for sure if you have ADHD? (Diagnosis)

A doctor – usually a psychiatrist or psychologist – will determine whether you or your child has ADHD. This process usually involves asking questions about current and past symptoms. They also use special questionnaires to help diagnose ADHD. There are currently no lab tests or other medical tests that can diagnose ADHD.

Is there a treatment for ADHD? Can it be cured?

ADHD is not a completely curable disease. However, it is a well-controlled and treatable condition. Medication is the main treatment. Also, various psychological treatments, such as psychotherapy, or what we call psychological counseling , are also very commonly used. These counseling methods help children and adults with ADHD to adapt to this condition and learn to live with it. Also, this counseling is helpful for other mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, which are often seen with ADHD.

What are the medications and treatments for this?

There are several types of medications that can treat ADHD. Most of these work by changing the levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals that help our brains communicate.

There are three main types of medication:

• Stimulants: Examples include methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®). Many of these come in different forms, meaning that the drug can be taken for a shorter or longer period of time.
• Non-stimulants: Examples include atomoxetine (Strattera®), viloxazine (Qelbree®), clonidine (Kapvay®) and guanfacine (Intuniv®).
• Antidepressants: Examples include bupropion (Wellbutrin®), desipramine (Norpramin®), imipramine (Tofranil®) and nortriptyline (Pamelor™).

Important: These medications should only be taken on the recommendation of a doctor. The doctor will determine the right medication and dosage for you.

Can treatments cause side effects?

The side effects and complications of ADHD medications depend on many things, including the type of medication you take. Your doctor can best explain what side effects you may experience and what you can do about them.

One side effect you should be especially aware of with stimulant medications is reduced appetite . It is common for these medications to reduce appetite. However, this can be a problem if someone has an eating disorder. Eating disorders are more common in women than in men. If you experience or suspect this side effect, you should talk to your child's pediatrician or your doctor.

Is there a way to prevent ADHD?

ADHD occurs in unexpected ways and for reasons that experts still don't fully understand. Therefore, there is currently no way to prevent it or reduce the risk of developing it.

What can you expect if you have ADHD?

ADHD is not a dangerous condition, but it can affect many aspects of your life – schoolwork, work, friendships, family relationships, and more.

Women with ADHD are at higher risk for:

• Bullying (both face-to-face and cyberbullying).
• Problems controlling emotions , especially extreme sensitivity to rejection (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria).
• Learning difficulties , for example `(Dyslexia)` (reading difficulties) and `(Dyscalculia)` (mathematical difficulties).
• Physical symptoms related to mental health , for example, headaches, stomach upset, fatigue, and insomnia.
• Related mental health conditions include anxiety and depression.
• Self-injury behaviors , such as cutting, nail biting, and picking at the skin.
• Difficulty making and maintaining friendships and relationships (women often mask their ADHD symptoms to fit in).

How long does ADHD last?

ADHD is a condition that begins in childhood, usually before the age of 12. Strictly speaking, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Some people say they "grow out of it" or "outgrow it as they get older," because their symptoms gradually decrease and are no longer severe enough to warrant a diagnosis.

However, women are less likely to "outgrow" ADHD. About 60% of women continue to have ADHD into adulthood. Among men, this percentage is about 30%.

Can we get out of this situation? What is the outlook?

With treatment and training, the effects of this condition can be controlled and turned into positive ones. Experts and researchers have well recognized the connection between `ADHD` and creativity, problem-solving skills, and strong memory abilities. Many large companies are especially interested in hiring `(Neurodiverse)` people, that is, people with conditions like `ADHD`. Because some of the characteristics caused by these conditions are advantageous for certain types of jobs.

Each person's ADHD is as unique as the person. Many people go through life without being diagnosed or treated. While it is possible to adapt to it – and perhaps even turn its symptoms into strengths – the condition often makes life difficult.

How do you take care of yourself? What can you do?

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the best place to start seeking help is with your family doctor (primary care provider) or your child's pediatrician. They can refer you to a specialist who has the training and experience to diagnose and treat ADHD.

If a specialist diagnoses you with ADHD, they will provide you with guidance and recommendations on treatment options. Here are some of the best things that can help you on this journey:

• Take your medication exactly as prescribed. ADHD medication should always be taken exactly as prescribed. Doing so can help prevent the unpleasant side effects that can come with many different types of medication.
• See your doctor as prescribed. Depending on the laws in your area, some medications may only be prescribed if you see your doctor regularly. You should also attend counseling sessions and other medical appointments as prescribed.
• Find what works for you. In addition to finding the right treatment for you, there are also things you can add to your life to help manage your ADHD. Establishing routines and habits, and using technology – for example, smartphone apps that help with ADHD – can also help.
• Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations. These are changes or adjustments to your work or school environment that can help you better manage your ADHD. Many places (depending on where you live) have laws that require employers and educational institutions to make these accommodations. Your doctor can tell you more about what accommodations might be available to help you, or refer you to resources where you can get help.

Remember, there is no one right way to manage ADHD. Some people benefit from medication, some from counseling, and some from both. What works for one person may or may not work for you or your child. The time it takes to see results can vary. The important thing is to find what works for you and your child and make the most of what you find.

Do women have more inattentive ADHD?

A common misconception is that women are more likely to have symptoms of the ``Inattentive-type`` type of ADHD, or that they are more likely to be diagnosed with that type. However, several studies have shown that this is not the case .

In fact, women have the same level of symptoms of inattention as men. However, they have fewer symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. That is, women are just as likely as men to have the inattention type of ADHD, but they are less likely to have the hyperactivity/impulsivity type and the mixed type of ADHD.

Women with ADHD are more likely to be misdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This can make them feel frustrated and helpless. The most important thing is to understand that ADHD is a medical condition that affects the way your brain works. This means that the difficulties you experience are caused by a medical condition, not by a flaw in your personality or character.

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to talk to a specialist to diagnose and treat the condition. Together, you can develop a treatment plan to manage your ADHD symptoms. Then, you can find a way to turn what makes you different from others into your strengths.

Finally, remember this...

• ADHD is a real, medical condition. It's not something you've imagined, it's not laziness, it's not a weakness of character.
• ADHD is also common among women. However, it is often diagnosed late or may not be recognized at all.
• If you think you have symptoms of ADHD, don't be afraid to seek medical advice. A proper diagnosis and treatment can make your life much easier.
• You are not alone. There are many other people living with this condition. Get help, share your experiences.
• Living with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right support and strategies, you can live a successful, happy life. Try to turn your differences into your strengths!

` ADHD, ADHD in women, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD symptoms, ADHD treatment, mental health