ADHD in women is a complex and often underdiagnosed condition that can affect many aspects of life. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) manifests itself in a different way in women than in men, and this contributes to the fact that many women are diagnosed later in life or may never receive it.
ADHD-assessmentFemales with ADHD often tend to show more symptoms of the inattentive type than the hyperactive type, which is more common in boys. The symptoms may include:
Chronic procrastination or difficulty initiating tasks
Although women can also have hyperactive and impulsive symptoms, they often tend to be more inner restlessness than physical hyperactivity.
Many women with ADHD develop early strategies to hide or compensate for their symptoms, especially at school or in social situations. They may work extra hard to keep up with expectations, or spend more time than others organizing themselves. These coping strategies can lead to ADHD symptoms going unnoticed for many years.
Over time, this can lead to exhaustion, stress and anxiety, as it takes a lot of energy to keep the symptoms hidden. This hidden struggle may contribute to women not being discovered until adulthood.
Women with ADHD may often experience stronger emotional dysregulation, which means they may have difficulty managing emotional reactions. This can lead to frequent mood swings, frustration and feelings of overwhelm.
Many women with ADHD also describe a sense of chronic underachievement and low self-esteem, because they struggle to meet the high expectations they set for themselves or that others have for them. They may have difficulty maintaining close relationships, which can lead to isolation or social anxiety.
ADHD in women is often confused with or accompanied by other conditions such as depression, anxiety or eating disorders. Many women are first diagnosed with depression or anxiety, as the symptoms of ADHD can resemble or overlap with these conditions. This can lead to incorrect treatment and delayed identification of ADHD.
Hormonal fluctuations play a large role in how ADHD symptoms manifest in women. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play an important role in brain function, including areas involved in attention, focus and mood, which can exacerbate ADHD symptoms during periods of hormonal change.
Here are some ways ADHD can be affected by hormonal fluctuations in women:
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. In the premenstrual period, when estrogen levels are low, many women report a worsening of ADHD symptoms. This can lead to more distraction, impulsivity or difficulty concentrating.
During pregnancy, levels of estrogen and progesterone increase significantly, which can improve ADHD symptoms for some women. But after giving birth, when hormone levels suddenly drop, many may experience a worsening of symptoms, along with the risk of postpartum depression or anxiety.
Menopause leads to a gradual decline in estrogen levels, which can worsen ADHD symptoms, especially cognitive functions such as attention and memory. Many women notice an increased degree of brain fog, difficulty organizing, and emotional swings during this period.
Some women with ADHD may experience improvement in symptoms with the use of hormone therapy (eg, birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy during menopause) to stabilize hormone levels. However, the effects vary, and it is important to get individual guidance from a doctor.
Women with ADHD may find that their symptoms fluctuate significantly with hormonal changes, and it may be necessary to adjust treatment strategies based on these changes.
Women with ADHD may face additional challenges when it comes to balancing career, family life and personal commitments. Many report that they feel overwhelmed by the demands of organizing, managing the home and at the same time performing at work. This can lead to stress, exhaustion and even burnout.
Some women are only diagnosed when they face major life changes, such as having a child or starting a demanding job, when ADHD symptoms become more noticeable.
It is common for women not to receive an ADHD diagnosis until adulthood, often in their 30s or 40s, when the symptoms have become more disruptive in daily life. Many women are diagnosed after their children are diagnosed, and they recognize similar symptoms in themselves.
When the diagnosis is finally made, women can experience a sense of relief because they get an explanation for many of the challenges they have faced throughout their lives.
The treatment for ADHD in women is often a combination of medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps develop better coping strategies for organization, time management, and emotional regulation. Addressing comorbid disorders such as anxiety or depression is also important in treatment.
In addition, lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, regular physical activity and a healthy diet can have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms.