It is easy to understand that each person can have a different experience of ADHD. But did you know that there are big differences between the way women and men experience their ADHD?
Women are just as likely to have ADHD as men, and it can significantly affect their lives and happiness. However, we see that women are less likely to be diagnosed than men; and the difference is really very marked. For example, According to Healthline, 4.2% of women in the United States are diagnosed in their lifetime. Most between the ages of 36 and 38. For men, on the other hand, this number rises to 13% and they usually receive their diagnosis in childhood and adolescence. Transgender, intersex, and non-binary people can also experience ADHD; but there are fewer studies showing how ADHD presents in people with these identities.
ADHD symptoms are sometimes dismissed as typical behavior; especially in women, who are often perceived as overly emotional and anxious. Everyone goes through times of stress. But for people with ADHD, this stress goes deeper than a difficult period at work: it is part of daily life.
To understand why there is this difference in the way of experiencing ADHD between men and women, three key factors must be taken into account:
- ● Difficulties in diagnosing ADHD in women.
- How gender stereotypes influence the behavior of a woman with ADHD.
- The role of hormones in the symptoms of ADHD in women.
Difficulties in diagnosing ADHD in women
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often understood as a disorder in boys, since they receive this diagnosis much more than girls of school age. When we think about ADHD, the image of a child who cannot pay attention in class, is constantly moving and does not control his emotions automatically appears in our mind. But, as we mentioned earlier, research indicates that ADHD is as common in girls and women as it is in boys and men.
The reason for this disparity: Men and women have different symptoms and experience the disorder in different ways; but the available diagnostic tools are made from studies that only included children. This means that it is more difficult for doctors to detect the disorder in a girl or woman, and that is why many go unnoticed. Fortunately, studies are already being carried out that take into account the experiences of both genders, in order to close this gap in diagnosis.
Other problems diagnosing ADHD in women
In general, people with ADHD are quite prone to developing other disorders at the same time, called comorbid disorders. In particular, women are more likely than men to have anxiety, depression, sensory overload, borderline personality disorder, or eating disorders. This overlapping of symptoms leads many clinicians to focus only on comorbid disorders without realizing that the underlying problem is ADHD. Women who were not diagnosed as girls have a mean age of diagnosis of 36 years.
A big difference between the sexes is that men with ADHD tend to express their frustrations and are more prone to physical aggression; however, women often internalize their anger and distress rather than express them. Consequently, it is seen that the typical male traits of ADHD are usually hypersensitivity, inability to concentrate, tendency to change jobs and difficulty in assuming responsibilities. Low self-esteem, psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, and chronic stress are more common for women. This makes it more difficult for women to notice the symptoms of the disorder.
These are the main symptoms to look out for, which could indicate the presence of ADHD in a woman:
- disorganization
- low self esteem
- poor time management
- lack of attention to detail
- difficulty multitasking
- bad temper
- anxiety
- chronic stress
- depression
- constant exhaustion
- difficulty sleeping
How gender stereotypes influence the behavior of a woman with ADHD
If we mix menstruation, hormones and the common female stereotypes, it is not surprising that women are more likely to confuse ADHD symptoms with everyday fatigue .
First of all, the best known type of ADHD is hyperactive-impulsive. This type usually presents symptoms such as: feeling of internal restlessness, excessive talking, decision making. According to research, men are more likely to experience this type of ADHD. While women are more likely to have the inattentive type, which has much more internalized symptoms. Unlike the hyperactive type, whose impulsivity and disorganization are often more visible, people with inattentive ADD are considered quiet or shy. That is why they go unnoticed in social situations.
Second, ADHD symptoms in women are often explained as character traits rather than ADHD. For example, a woman can be considered to be distracted, daydreaming, forgetful, or very talkative. Thus, it often takes years for them to seek help themselves to improve their mental health and to be able to better carry out their responsibilities at work, studies, family, etc.
Lastly, most of these symptoms have a direct impact on a person's self-esteem. Those who suffer from them may notice things like constant forgetfulness; the inability to carry out their plans; his daydreams in inopportune situations; your lack of organization and planning; difficulties managing work and personal tasks at the same time; and its high predisposition to anxiety. As a result, they may feel bad about themselves and feel like they must fight stress or anxiety related to their overwhelming responsibilities. Above all with the social expectation that women must balance the care of children, the house and the family, along with their other personal responsibilities.
The role of hormones in the symptoms of ADHD in women
The menstrual cycle lasts an average of 28 days. During the first two weeks, estrogen levels rise steadily, while progesterone levels are low. Estrogen promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, the neurotransmitters of well-being. Studies suggest that these first few weeks are often less demanding for women with ADHD. In the third and fourth weeks, the increase in progesterone diminishes the beneficial effects of estrogen in the brain. this possibly reduces the effectiveness of stimulant medications for treating ADHD.
During early adolescence, girls with ADHD have more academic problems, aggressive behaviors, early signs of problems related to substance abuse, and high rates of depression compared to girls without ADHD. In addition, when entering puberty, the rise of hormones and metabolism changes can make the process of finding the right medication difficult, having to change medications or doses several times.
According to Dr. Patricia Quinn, director of the National Center for Girls and Women with ADHD, women with ADHD experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) more acutely than others. They usually report that two or three days before their menstruation they begin to feel more hyperactive, inattentive and restless. A good recommendation is to keep a daily log of ADHD symptoms in relation to the menstrual cycle. In this way, together with your therapist, you can develop strategies to minimize its negative impact on difficult days.
There are two other times in a woman's life when large hormonal fluctuations occur: pregnancy and menopause. In both, it is important that the woman with ADHD review her treatment to adjust it to the effects that these changes may have on her ADHD symptoms. If you are interested in knowing more about hormones and ADHD, we recommend this article from Additud Magazine.
As if women didn't have much to worry about already, adding the possibility of a mental disorder like ADHD certainly sounds a bit overwhelming. But this is where the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment comes into play. Starting this process will give you access to tools that will help you cope with the situation and will allow you to improve important aspects such as job performance, personal relationships and the feeling of general well-being. If you feel identified with the aforementioned symptoms, we recommend that you contact a specialist as soon as possible. Request an Assessment. Starting this process will give you access to tools that will help you cope with the situation and will allow you to improve important aspects such as job performance, personal relationships and the feeling of general well-being. If you feel identified with the aforementioned symptoms, we recommend that you contact a specialist as soon as possible.
