What are the symptoms of ADHD in women?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause a variate of responses. While not one experience of ADHD is the same, learning more specifics as to the nuance to ADHD can help women in further understanding what ADHD is, as well as how they may be potentially impacted by certain symptoms. While ADHD symptoms aren’t entirely specific to gender, there are some general facets worth considering in relation to gender-specific areas. Let’s talk more about what symptoms of ADHD may consist of. 

ADHD can involve traits associated with either inattentiveness, hyperactivity, or combined types (meaning that an individual demonstrates both inattentiveness and hyperactivity traits). Inattentiveness themes may be included but not limited to trouble completing tasks, challenges with general orientation to routines, trouble concentrating, as well as losing the abilities to maintain focus during integral moments of conversation (often referred to as attentional drift). Hyperactivity-related themes may involve troubles sitting still/fidgety, being active during themes where it is deemed inappropriate to do so (such as during a work meeting or general event), as well as bouts of tangential speech patterns/interrupting others. While these factors may have variations amongst each person, leaving them unaddressed can correlate to strain in relationships, difficulties with regulation of emotions, as well as potentials for overwhelm. 

While gender specifically doesn’t cause any unique ADHD symptomology, there are correlative factors in relation to gender that can be influenced by certain factors. For instance, women’s health related concerns such as menstrual cycles may correlate with increases in mood fluctuation, rejection sensitivity, or even troubles making decisions. Being mindful of these unique factors amongst the sexes can be key in determining general correlates unique to women’s health, while also ensuring stereotypes don’t develop in relation to women experiencing ADHD (such as, they are being moody because they can’t manage their ADHD). Rest assured, there are numerous factors that can aid women in coping with the debilitating symptoms of ADHD. Modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are gold-standard approaches in identifying any inattentive or hyperactive traits, while also developing effective treatment plans that aid with emotion regulation, tolerating distress, as well as identifying potential triggers.

This is an excellent question! Best of luck to you.