ADHD in Women: Manage the Signs with MAVA Behavioral

ADHD is often thought of as a condition that mainly affects kids, but many women in their late 30s and 40s also experience its symptoms. ADHD in women in the USA is more common and rising day by day. So, what are the signs of ADHD? You might struggle to focus on tasks, get easily distracted, or organize your thoughts.

Therefore, it is vital to seek professional guidance and help. Here, we’ll explain the signs, causes, and treatment for ADHD in women. Stay connected with us and get more insights and information about it.

Symptoms of ADHD In Older Women

ADHD in women symptoms varies over age. So, signs of ADHD in women have the higher chances of the following:

• Inattentiveness to details and careless mistakes in what is being done.
• Trouble sustaining attention to tasks.
• Difficulty in concentration and unusual emotions
• Weak in implementation and execution of assigned tasks.
• Trouble organizing tasks and activities.
• Easily distracted.
• Forgotten routine things.

ADHD Symptoms in Adult Women​

ADHD symptoms in adult women often manifest differently than in men. At times, it manifests in a specific pattern and usually escapes recognition. Common signs include the following:

• Poor organization and poor time management.
• Forgetfulness and easy distractibility.
• Sensitivity to emotional changes and mood swings.
• Inner hyperactivity.
• Procrastination with chronic effects and low motivation.
• Poor social relations.
• Perfectionism and perfectionist standards.

Do you still observe any symptoms of ADHD in yourself, as mentioned above? If so, contact us at MAVA Behavioral Health. So, knowing your symptoms is important, as some will fade and some will stay. Thus, getting help is a good step.

ADHD In Women Causes

1. Genetic and Environmental Factors

ADHD has a significant genetic part, and studies show that it can be passed down from parents to kids. Environmental factors play a role, too. However, exposure to toxins during pregnancy or early childhood can also affect the development of ADHD. Genetics are important; this means that other things can influence the condition, but there is not just one cause.

2. Hormonal Influences

Hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can make ADHD symptoms worse. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can intensify symptoms and affect emotional regulation. However, this is not the only factor. Although many women experience these changes, some may not notice a significant impact on their ADHD symptoms. Nonetheless, it’s important to recognize that these hormonal shifts can affect symptoms.

Increasing Statistics of ADHD in Women

In recent years, ADHD diagnosis women has been recognized more frequently. For example, from 2020 to 2022, the number of women in their 20s through 40s who received an ADHD diagnosis almost doubled. The rise of ADHD among women reflects a better understanding of different ADHD presentations, which include hyperactivity and impulsivity. If you observe any of the signs of ADHD in yourself, you may hold ADHD in women test to verify all of them. Experts believe that the following variables contribute to growing ADHD incidence among women:

• Improved testing and diagnostic criteria.
• Increased awareness among healthcare providers.
• Societal shifts in recognizing ADHD symptoms in girls and women.

The diagnosis in women is on the rise, so healthcare providers need to be aware of this diagnosis since it affects women differently and enables them to seek proper intervention that would improve their capabilities of coping and living standards.

Types of ADHD In Women​

ADHD in women can manifest in three primary types, each with distinct characteristics that affect how symptoms are experienced and expressed:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-I)

ADHD of this type is more characteristic of women and usually does not attract attention since it does not have manifestations of hyperactivity. Working memory is weak, and it may be difficult for a woman with this type to concentrate, plan, and persevere. They can be easily distracted, forget details, and find mundane chores overwhelming. Because there is often no hyperactivity, this type may be confused with sloth or lack of initiative.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type (ADHD-HI)

Although less common in women, this type is characterized by hyperactive behaviors and impulsive decision-making. Symptoms include restlessness, constant fidgeting, and difficulty remaining still. Women with this type might find themselves engaging in impulsive behaviors. However, I struggle with self-control and face challenges in maintaining routines and long-term commitments. So, it is important to understand that these behaviors can be managed. Hence, support and strategies are essential for improvement.

3. Combined Type (ADHD-C)

This type is a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms (1). Women with combined ADHD often experience a wide range of symptoms, making their condition more complex. They may face challenges like difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and constant internal restlessness. However, this combination can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety. Managing the various aspects of their symptoms becomes increasingly demanding now.

ADHD and Anxiety in Women​

It tends to manifest differently in females than in males, sometimes to the point of misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Women with ADHD often tend to be inattentive and disorganized rather than hyperactive. This will lead to difficulty with daily life activities, from maintaining relationships to handling tasks. The persistent struggle of trying to stay on track can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, making the emotional pain worse.

Furthermore, anxiety disorders are prevalent comorbidities among women with ADHD. The interaction between the two can result in a loop in which worry exacerbates ADHD symptoms, making focus and organization even more difficult. Symptoms like restlessness and impulsivity might be misinterpreted as anxiety, confounding the diagnostic picture.

Understanding this link is critical for effective therapy since treating ADHD and anxiety simultaneously can result in more complete management measures. Consequently, it promotes overall well-being.

How Common is ADHD in Women?

The statistics on how this disorder impacts people depending on their gender also vary. According to most estimates, it is a 2 ratio of 1 during childhood. However, other research hints that the ratio is even higher and stands at 17 ratio of 1. It can be much higher in women, so after gaining the diagnosis in adulthood, the rates are closer to each other. Scientists have found that the illness manifests more often in boys and men. However, it also commonly remains undiagnosed in women.

Diagnosis of ADHD in Women

Everyone feels unfocused and chaotic at some point in their lives. However, the current clinical criteria must be followed when diagnosing women’s ADHD symptoms.

• Five continuous symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. These must exist in various environments: work, school, and home. They must also interfere with your ability to perform normally.
• History of ADHD symptoms. These are considered to start before the age of twelve.

How ADHD in Women Creates Hormonal Imbalance?

Ovarian hormones impact nearly all the body systems and form integral parts of a woman’s physical, social, and emotional being. The brain is an estrogen-responsive organ; estrogen protects the brain by stimulating activity in neurotransmitters that influence executive functioning, attention, motivation, verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.

Estrogen levels do fluctuate with the month and with life and can influence how a woman’s ADHD symptoms will present themselves. ADHD is not an illness characterized by chronicity over time in females or their bodies. Instead, the reality is:

• Hormone levels affect the symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms worsen as estrogen levels decrease. Estrogen levels drop after ovulation, in the middle of the cycle, and are even lower at the beginning of menstruation.
• Its combination of low estrogen and high testosterone worsens symptoms significantly. It also means that symptoms can change from day to day. Some women may be even more sensitive to these micro-fluctuations.
• Estrogen is started at puberty. It is approximately the time when ADHD symptoms become evident in girls.
• Such hormones could also be high during such a period, causing incorrect diagnoses for anxiety or a mood disorder and being subsequently treated insufficiently or not at all.

Treatment For ADHD In Women

ADHD can be treated with therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and accommodations. Among these, the most prompt and quick way to manage the challenge is medication. Women with ADHD should consider the following options of treatment for ADHD in women. However, they should also think about therapy. This is important because each option can help in different ways.

Medication Options for ADHD

The natural measures are quite helpful for persons with ADHD, and there is also an accompanying medication aspect involved in fighting the symptoms of the illness. Medications generally prescribed in the treatment of ADHD normally target neurotransmitters that stimulate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to alleviate symptoms like forgetfulness and reduced impulse control.

Other non-stimulants work on the same mechanism of changing neurotransmitter levels or their use in the brain, providing additional ways to treat ADHD.

• Stimulant Medications: This includes methylphenidate, as in Ritalin, and amphetamines, as in Adderall, that work to improve attention and executive function.
• Non-stimulant Medications : include atomoxetine (Strattera), which seems to work via different pathways in the brain, targeting other neurotransmitters, hence minimizing its potential side effects compared with the actual use of a stimulant. Guanfacine is another non-stimulant medication.

When To Seek Professional Help

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can show up differently in women than in men, making it harder to notice. Common signs in women are chronic disorganization, trouble with time management, forgetfulness, and feeling overwhelmed by everyday tasks. It’s important to seek professional help if these signs stick around, as they can affect one’s ability to keep up with daily responsibilities or cause distress.

A mental health professional can give a complete evaluation, figure out if ADHD is there and suggest an effective treatment for ADHD in women, like medication management, therapy, or lifestyle changes. However, MAVA Behavioral Health has the treatment option for you through medication management. To get more info about how medication works and other details, just send us a simple message or drop us an email.

Let’s Recap

Managing ADHD is tough because it shows up in some people at later ages. Its signs stick with them for life. However, with better guidance and professional help, you can learn how to manage these challenges. It means that some girls grow into adulthood without getting the treatment they need to handle life with ADHD. Without proper treatment, people assigned female ADHD can face problems completing daily tasks, managing careers, and building successful relationships. If you want to get better treatment for ADHD, reach out to MAVA Behavioral Health!