ADHD signs in women, men, and children

Though it impacts around 8% of children and 2.5% of adults in the United States, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is a commonly misunderstood mental health disorder that has the potential to drastically influence one’s life quality and daily functioning. It can be difficult to understand ADHD partly because everyone experiences its symptoms differently and coping strategies or treatment options may vary between individuals.

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This is particularly true for adults with ADHD that isn’t diagnosed, many of whom unknowingly develop coping mechanisms for several symptoms throughout life and successfully mask the true root of their challenges.

Recognizing ADHD symptoms can make you a better parent, friend, sibling, or ally to those in your life who need it. Awareness can also make it easier to determine whether or not symptoms you may experience yourself fall in line with what’s typically expected with ADHD.

All about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's ability to pay attention, causes hyperactivity in some, and can make it difficult to control impulsive behaviors. 

An individual with ADHD may talk excessively, experience mood swings, struggle to sit still, daydream often, forget details in conversations, or struggle to manage intense emotions. Other common symptoms of ADHD in women tend to present differently than ADHD in men with women experiencing more inattentiveness than hyperactivity. Symptoms also must occur in two or more settings. 

Though it’s often more obvious in younger children, ADHD and its symptoms aren't only a problem for people in their youth. For many individuals, adult ADHD symptoms can last for prolonged periods throughout adolescence and adulthood.

It is typical for children and adults alike to struggle with similar symptoms, like concentrating and behaving appropriately at some time in their lives, but with ADHD, these symptoms are more persistent. When left unaddressed, these symptoms can cause difficulties at home and school and can begin to impact an individual’s relationships and health.

What does ADHD stand for?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. In the past, the term “attention deficit disorder” (ADD) was used to describe inattentive type ADHD, but the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association and modern medical professionals refer to the disorder, regardless of its type, as just ADHD as it is more all-encompassing.

The different types of ADHD

Part of why ADHD looks different for each person is the fact that there is not just one, but three medically recognized types of the disorder. Different types present some symptoms more than others and may require different treatment plans, there are also signs of ADHD in women that are different from men. In addition, there are also co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and depression that may be present in people with ADHD. 

Below are three primary kinds of ADHD as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V:

Hyperactive/impulsive type

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is a form of ADHD that is distinguished by impulsive, hyperactive behavior and thought patterns. Those who experience this type of ADHD often seem like they’re always on the go.

Individuals with this type of ADHD tend to exhibit the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity: 

• Fidgeting or having a hard time staying still

• Squirming

• Difficulty waiting

• Getting up from a sitting position regularly

• Inappropriate running or moving, especially in children

• Excessive talking

• Speaking out of turn, thinking without much thought

• Interrupting

• Frequently "on the move," as if "propelled by a motor"

Other symptoms of ADHD diagnosed as inattentive type may still be present (and must be to some degree for an individual to receive an ADHD diagnosis) too, but to a lesser extent than the hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms listed above.

Inattentive type

This form of ADHD is characterized by a high inattention level, a high distractibility level, and a lack of hyperactivity. 

Common indicators of ADHD inattentive type include:

• Making careless mistakes at work, struggling to pay attention to or understand details

• Difficulty paying attention and sustaining attention

• Making rash decisions

• Missing deadlines or losing things

• Struggling to stay focused on a task, especially those that are challenging

• Having a hard time listening or retaining information from the conversation

• Inability to follow or comprehend instructions

• Being easily distracted

• Forgetting, misplacing, or losing items frequently

• Trouble organizing tasks

This type of ADHD can be harder to see from the outside, especially with children. Oftentimes those with inattentive ADHD seem to “have their head in the clouds” and are easily overlooked or are misdiagnosed with another developmental disorder or mood disorders.

Combined type

This form of ADHD is marked by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors, inattention, and distractibility. As the name suggests, it combines symptoms of both types of ADHD.

For all ADHD types, a person may experience issues related to self-esteem. This is especially true in younger people as ADHD may impact school or cause unhealthy relationships as they try to learn new life management skills. Low self-esteem can cause teenagers with ADHD to feel isolated and left out.

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is not known, however, ADHD is often, but not always, an inherited mental health condition, ADHD is often, but not always, an inherited condition, according to research. Mental health experts are largely confident that genetics play a significant role in determining whether or not an individual will develop ADHD, so if you have a family history of ADHD, you may have an increased risk of having ADHD.

ADHD doesn’t suddenly appear; instead, it’s likely connected to structural and biological differences in the brain that cause it to function differently. To illustrate this, dopamine (a brain chemical) and neurotransmitters are reduced in children with ADHD.

Studies conducted using PET scans (a form of brain imaging that allows researchers to see the human brain in action) show that in children with ADHD, brain metabolism is lower in the areas like the central nervous system that control attention, social judgment, and movement. Lower levels of dopamine and fewer (or too many, as this can result in increased removal of dopamine from the brain) neurotransmitters may also contribute to how the brain of someone with ADHD works.

Though this conclusion gives us some insight into who’s likely to develop ADHD and what’s going on behind the scenes, scientists are still looking into other risk factors for ADHD and methods for treating the disorder effectively.

While it’s generally considered a genetic disorder, ADHD is also thought to be caused by environmental factors in some cases. Scientists are investigating other possible causes and risk factors, including:

• Trauma to the brain

• Exposure to environmental pollutants or toxic substances (lead, for example) during pregnancy or at a young age

• Drinking and smoking while pregnant

• A low birth weight

• Premature birth

Research does not support that ADHD is caused by overeating sweets, watching too much television, or societal and environmental issues, including poverty or family instability.

Undoubtedly, many things, including these, might exacerbate symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence to establish that these are the primary or even secondary causes of ADHD.

Signs of ADHD in children

Many people who experience ADHD receive a diagnosis as a child or adolescent; it’s often easier to diagnose ADHD in children because they tend to express their emotions and desires more openly and frequently.

Children who experience ADHD will likely have many of the same symptoms that adults manage, but they tend to have a much harder time masking or handling them. Children may therefore be more likely to act out, behave badly, or integrate into society.

Young boys are more likely to be appropriately diagnosed than young girls are. Hyperactivity is more common among boys than girls, so it’s often easier for teachers, parents, and health professionals to identify behaviors as ADHD symptoms.

Girls are more likely to develop inattentive ADHD symptoms. This fact combined with social ideas about how boys and girls are “supposed” to act makes it easy for adults to look past what are clear warning signs or brush them off as “no big deal.”

ADHD in children

Many people who experience ADHD receive a diagnosis as a child or adolescent; it’s often easier to diagnose ADHD in children because they tend to express their emotions and desires more openly and frequently.

Children who experience ADHD will likely have many of the same symptoms that adults manage, but they tend to have a much harder time masking or handling them. Children may therefore be more likely to act out, behave badly, or integrate into society.

Young boys are more likely to be appropriately diagnosed than young girls are. Hyperactivity is more common among boys than girls, so it’s often easier for teachers, parents, and health professionals to identify behaviors as ADHD symptoms.

Girls are more likely to develop inattentive ADHD symptoms. This fact combined with social ideas about how boys and girls are “supposed” to act makes it easy for adults to look past what are clear warning signs or brush them off as “no big deal.”

Catching ADHD during childhood can make the rest of a child’s life much easier, so it’s important to be aware of what sort of behavior is a normal part of being a child and what may be indicative of a bigger problem or mood disorder. However, it’s also important to note that children, particularly younger children, are more likely to exhibit behaviors associated with symptoms of ADHD such as restlessness, inattention, and strong emotions; these do not necessarily indicate that the child has ADHD. Parents and medical professionals alike should take this into careful consideration before using commonly prescribed medication and when evaluating or diagnosing children with the disorder.

Common symptoms of adult ADHD

Adults tend to display more subtle indicators of ADHD in their daily activities and, according to the Primary Care Companion, can be more challenging to diagnose. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research suggests that many adults do not know that they’re living with ADHD. Often, if the disorder is not noticed in early childhood, it is more likely to go undiagnosed. If you think you could have adult ADHD, these are some of the most common adult symptoms to check for:

• You aren’t able to keep your things and ideas in order.

• When driving a car, you are more inclined to speed, which might result in an accident.

• You have difficulty listening and concentrating on the person speaking.

• You find it challenging to form and sustain connections.

• You feel extreme restlessness.

• You have a propensity towards procrastination.

• You find it difficult to remain punctual.

• You find it difficult to control your emotions.

• As a child, you found school to be complicated.

Many of the above symptoms experienced by adults are similar to those that youngsters experience. The body has become accustomed to these actions due to the disease going untreated for so long.

Women and ADHD symptoms: A unique challenge

As discussed, due to gender expectations and biases, many girls and women with ADHD go undiagnosed for large periods of their lives; this is mostly because women are more likely to have inattentive symptoms, which can be harder to recognize. It is also important to note that women with ADHD may experience changing symptoms based on hormone fluctuations caused by menstruation. 

Girls and women are more prone to have the following symptoms:

• Lack of focus

 It may be difficult for girls with ADHD to pay attention. They may be unable to concentrate for long enough at home or at school to finish a task.

• Distractibility

 Daydreaming, doodling, working on unrelated tasks, or what seems like slacking off can all be signs that a woman’s mind is struggling to stay focused on a single task.

• Hyperactivity

 Girls and women may be more likely to express hyperactivity in less disruptive ways. Foot tapping or knee shaking, for instance, might take the place of running around.

• Impulsivity

 Girls experiencing intense emotions may find it difficult to calm down or think about what they are doing and may engage in risky behavior, like substance use. 

Living with ADHD: Making life easier

Living with ADHD doesn’t have to be a constant uphill battle.

Once you’ve done the hard work in recognizing the disorder and receiving a diagnosis, it’s very possible to treat ADHD effectively and reduce symptoms.

Therapy options

Your or your child's doctor can provide an appropriate diagnosis and help create an appropriate treatment plan depending on the following factors:

• Age, general health, and medical history

• Symptom severity

• Tolerance to certain drugs or treatments

• Expectations regarding the condition's progression

• Your point of view or preference

Parental support and instruction in behavioral therapy and proper school placement are essential parts of treatment for children with ADHD. For many adults and children with ADHD, treatment with a psychostimulant is successful.

Many things can be done either for oneself or for children to make managing the symptoms of ADHD and/or its comorbid disorders (e.g. oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) a healthy, approachable part of life.

Individuals with ADHD might find the following tips beneficial, especially over long periods:

• Control distractions:

 When work needs to be done, make sure there are few opportunities to stray away from it. Turn off the television, reduce noise, and give yourself a clean workplace.

• Limit your options:

 Many people with ADHD are easily overwhelmed by too many choices or commitments. Try to keep things simple whenever you can to avoid causing unnecessary stress.

• Make a schedule: 

Try to stick to the same routine every day, from waking up to going to bed.

• Get a handle on things: 

Encourage your child to keep their school bag, clothing, and toys in the same spot every day to reduce the chances of losing them.

• Discipline:

Use practical guidance, time-outs, or the elimination of privileges as penalties for poor conduct instead of scolding or shouting.

• Don’t hesitate to seek therapy if you need it:

 Experiencing or raising a child living with ADHD can be a difficult and tiresome process, but websites like BetterHelp and TeenCounseling can make finding a mental health professional and the care you or your child needs easy and affordable.

TeenCounseling can be a resource for those struggling ADHD, and it can help parents and their teens find licensed, professional counselors. Here’s what one patient had to say about their experience and the benefits of therapy and how it can influence your child’s behavior:

Counselor reviews

“We are still early days with teen counseling, but Cheyenne has been wonderful every step of the way. I have been very pleased with Cheyenne's level of communication and very timely response. I see some progress being made with my son. Just getting him to agree to counsel was difficult, but once he met Cheyenne he seemed fairly motivated. I hope it will continue. I appreciate her insights thus far, and her communication style, which is calming, disarming, and friendly, and I think my son feels that way too.”