The ADHD (attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity) is statistically more frequent in the male sex. However, more and more studies show that theADHD in adult women It is an underworld condition, often confused with other psychological problems such as anxiety or depression.
This article will explore i Symptoms of women’s Adhdgender differences and the importance of an accurate diagnosis, based on scientific evidence.
ADHD in adult women: symptoms
Female ADHD can manifest itself differently than the male one (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). In fact, women tend to show less symptoms, such as hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
The symptoms of the ADHD in adult women who present themselves most frequently are:
- Difficulty in the management of time and organization
- frequent forgetfulness
- concentration problems
- low self -esteem due to daily difficulties
- greater emotional sensitivity and stress
- chronic tiredness and sense of overpowering
- perfectionism and tendency to procrastinate
- Difficulty in social and interpersonal relationships.
These symptoms, which can be associated with other conditions, often lead to one late or incorrect diagnosis. In fact, women with ADHD are more likely to receive diagnosis of anxiety disorder, mood or depression, before the correct one. This can have negatively impact on the quality of life and psychological well -being.
The importance of diagnosis in women’s Adhd
An accurate diagnosis of ADHD in women is fundamental for ensure adequate treatment. Many adult women receive diagnosis only after years of difficulty, when they realize that their problems do not depend on a simple “distracted character”, but on a real disorder (Attoe & Climie, 2023).
The recognition of women’s ADHD allows you to access more effective management strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and, in some cases, pharmacological treatment.
A study (Lam et al., 2019) highlighted that the treatment of multimodal ADHD (psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy) can significantly improve the quality of women’s lives with ADHD, reducing anxiety and improving organizational and relational skills.
Because the diagnosis of women’s ADHD is more difficult
The diagnosis of ADHD in women is more complex than men for several reasons.
The causes are first of all historical and due to Research delay medical On women’s patients. Just as it happened for most diseases and conditions, the research on the ADHD has also historically focused on males, making the diagnostic criteria less suitable for women.
To this, less evident symptoms are added than the most frequent hyperactivity associated with male ADHD. These symptoms are often masked by compensation strategies who hide the disorder and allow women to better manage difficulties until adulthood.
Do expectations on women influence the symptoms of the ADHD?
Cultural and social expectations can amplify the difficulties of women related to the ADHD. In fact, women are often called more than men to be multitasking, organized and attentive to the needs of others. This can lead to different consequences (Morgan, 2024), for example:
- a greater sense of guilt for not being able to respect social standards
- anxiety and stress deriving from the difficulty of maintaining control over daily responsibilities
- emotional exhaustion due to the effort to mask symptoms and always appear competent
ADHD in adult women: does a dedicated test exist?
Although there are no tests specifically designed for patients, it is possible to analyze clinical history, the symptoms present and their impact on daily life. If you suspect you have ADHD, it is advisable to contact a mental health professional for an accurate evaluation.
One of the most used tools is the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASS)developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which allows a first evaluation of symptoms and can be used as a support for a more in -depth diagnosis.
IftPractical advice for the management of ADHD in women
Managing the ADHD in daily life can be complex. However, with some precautions and putting techniques and strategies into practice, it is possible to conduct a life without limitations.
Some useful strategies to be applied provide for:
- Use planners, reminders and checklists to reduce forgetfulness and disorganization
- break down the activities into small steps and assign precise times for each task
- Apply Mindfulness techniques to improve concentration and reduce stress
- regularly do physical activity to improve the focus
- request personalized psychological support for your needs.
Reading tips
If you have been diagnosed with the ADHD or simply want to deepen the theme, here are some readings that may be useful:
- ADHD for women. Navigate the challenges and celebrate the forces (2023)
- Help for Women With Adhd: My Simple Strategies for Conquiring (Wilder, 2017)
- Empowered Women With Adhd: Tools, Hack and Coming Strategies to Manage Overwhelm, Racing Thoughts and Emotions (Rose, 2023)
