Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that often begins in childhood, but affects both children and adults. It is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but its presentation can vary between individuals.
ADHD is commonly believed to be associated with young boys, but often underdiagnosed in women, leaving them with feelings of stress and inadequacy when faced with various symptoms and struggles.
In this article, we will shed more light on the symptoms of ADHD in women and highlight this condition’s impact on their daily lives and relationships.
What is ADHD?
The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual – Fifth edition (DSM-5) defines attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as the condition where there is a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
It is a neurodevelopmental disorder where parts of the brain controlling emotions, learning, memory and self-control are affected. There are 3 subtypes of ADHD – (i) predominantly inattentive type, (ii) predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type and (iii) combined type.
Symptoms of ADHD
Inattention-type ADHD requires six or more of the following symptoms to be present for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:
- Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- Often has difficulty sustaining attention
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to (e.g., mind seemed elsewhere despite absence of any obvious distraction)
- Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish projects
- Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities
- Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts)
- Is often forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactive/Impulsive-type ADHD requires six or more of the following symptoms to be present for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities:
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
- Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
- Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
- Is often “on the go” or acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time; and may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with)
- Often talks excessively.
- Often blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.
- Often has difficulty awaiting turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games; for adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing).
Combined type ADHD requires one to have 6 or more symptoms of inattention, and 6 or more symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Commonly, males report having hyperactive/impulsive symptoms while females report having more inattentive symptoms.
ADHD in Women
ADHD in women is often underdiagnosed as inattentive symptoms are generally more internalised and less disruptive and hence, less recognisable.
Women with ADHD often face challenges in organisation, managing their time, multi-tasking and decision making. These difficulties become apparent when women face societal pressure to manage both work and family well.
In their daily lives, they may even be overwhelmed with trying to accomplish small tasks. Social interaction and managing relationships may also be difficult for them.
For example, their minds may drift or they may talk too much when conversing with others, they may have difficulties remembering birthdays, and may feel more stressed as they perceive themselves to be less competent and inadequate compared to what women are capable of handling.
Some studies have shown that women with ADHD tend to have issues of low self-esteem.
All these may lead these women to experience psychological distress such as lowered mood, anxiety, feelings of guilt or inadequacy. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause may further exacerbate their difficulties with regulating their emotions.
Studies have shown that compared to men, women tend to report higher levels of psychological distress. Chronic stress and exhaustion are also common experiences among these women.
Treatment Options
Psychostimulants
The first line of treatment for adult ADHD is medication, i.e. psychostimulants, which are psychotropic substances with the capacity to stimulate the central nervous system, leading to excitation and elevated mood, as well as increased alertness and arousal.
Two common psychostimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamines. While medication cannot cure ADHD, it may help to alleviate some symptoms and improve ability to cope with daily functioning.
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help to identify and change unhelpful thinking or cognitive distortions (e.g. unhealthy self-beliefs) associated with ADHD such as “I can never do things well”, “No matter how hard I try, nothing changes”.
Additionally, behavioural strategies aimed at developing organisational and time-management skills, as well as cognitive strategies to manage distractibility and impulsivity may be beneficial as well.
Marital Therapy
For women experiencing marital difficulties, marital therapy may be helpful in resolving marital conflicts and improving spousal relationships.
Parenting Training
Parenting training may also be useful for women having difficulties with parenting their children.
