The ailment known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) alters the way several brain regions grow and interact. Although many individuals with ADHD are diagnosed in their teens or adult years, the disorder first manifests in childhood.
People are more likely to be affected differently by the illness based on their sex. Studies reveal that men and those assigned to the masculine gender at birth had greater incidences of ADHD (AMAB). Evidence suggests that the number of women and individuals classified as female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD may be higher than previously believed.
Which symptoms of ADHD are most common in women?
The central problem with ADHD symptoms is executive impairment. Your ability to regulate your emotions, focus, concentration, impulse control, and self-motivation is aided by executive functionsADHD can be divided into three subtypes: mixed, hyperactive/impulsive, and inattentive. The subtype is determined by the symptoms you experience. There are nine potential symptoms for both the hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive subtypes. At least six of a subtype's symptoms must be present for at least six months in order to be diagnosed. Six symptoms from each subtype, or a minimum of 12 symptoms overall, must be present for the mixed subtype and must have persisted for longer than six months.
The likelihood of hyperactive/impulsive symptoms in women is lower. This indicates that the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes are less common in them.
Symptoms of inattention
Inattentive-type symptoms can cause problems in social interactions, the workplace, and academics. You must satisfy at least six of the following requirements for a minimum of six months in order to have the inattention subtype of ADHD.
Your inattention makes you prone to making mistakes.
You struggle to maintain your attention and focus.
You frequently give off the impression that you're not listening when people speak—you "zone out" or give off the "thousand-yard stare."
Projects are easy for you to begin, but you struggle to see them through to completion.
You struggle with prioritizing and organizing, especially when it comes to projects or chores that need several steps.
You detest or steer clear of monotonous or dull duties, like paperwork, housework, or busy labor.
You frequently misplace, forget, or lose items.
You're easily sidetracked by your own thoughts or by what's going on around you.
You may overlook bills, appointments, or other daily tasks because you are careless or forgetful.
symptoms of being impulsive or hyperactive
Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive type can interfere with your relationships, career, study habits, and more. Although they are less common in women, similar symptoms might nevertheless occur.
You must have at least six of the following symptoms for more than six months in order to have the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD.
You twitch a lot.
You have to get up and move around a lot.
You're restless a lot.
You find it difficult to be silent, and occasionally you will speak to yourself or make up absurd sounds or phrases without meaning to.
People find it difficult to keep up with you because of your extraordinary level of activity.
You notice that you are overtalking (this can manifest as "info-dumping," which is an informal way of talking about topics you find enjoyable, or as over explaining yourself).
You usually complete other people's sentences or interrupt them, which indicates that you struggle with conversational self-control.
You find it difficult to wait patiently for your turn.
You may interrupt or intrude on people without recognizing that doing so could be considered impolite because you don't always grasp social limits.
How prevalent is ADHD among females?
There are differing estimations regarding the impact of ADHD on different sexes. The majority of estimates place the childhood male-to-female* ratio at 2 to 1. Nonetheless, according to certain research, the ratio might be as high as 17 to 1. Because women are more likely than males to obtain this diagnosis as adults, the rates become much more equivalent in adulthood.
Although studies show that boys and men are more likely to have the illness, there is also evidence that women are frequently misdiagnosed with it. Researchers believe this discrepancy is caused by a number of causes.
For a few reasons, women with ADHD may not receive a proper diagnosis.
Types of symptoms:
Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive type, more prevalent in boys and men, are typically easier to identify. Boys and men are therefore more likely to attract attention that results in a diagnosis.
Bias:
Teachers and medical professionals may fail to notice the symptoms of ADHD in female patients because the disorder is more prevalent in males. This may make it more difficult for women to get the right diagnosis and care.
Fewer studies on ADHD in women are available. Early studies on ADHD primarily examined the illness's consequences in males and AMAB individuals. Because of this, research on ADHD in women is years behind.
Defects in the criteria:
Certain specialists contend that the present criteria's writing is less accurate or useful when it comes to diagnosing women.
Preconceptions regarding gender, sex, and conduct: ADHD-related behaviors, particularly impulsive and hyperactive symptoms, are frequently seen as more socially acceptable in boys and men. Women with ADHD may therefore conceal or repress their symptoms in an effort to blend in.
What leads to female ADHD?
Experts are not entirely sure why or how somebody might develop ADHD. They are aware that ADHD and genetics are closely related, though. This implies that if at least one of your parents has ADHD, your likelihood of acquiring it is increased. Your children are more likely to acquire ADHD if you do.
ADHD sufferers are neurodivergent. This indicates that their brain development and functioning differ from those of neurotypical individuals (i.e., their brain development and functioning are typical).
Scientists are still trying to figure out why and how abnormalities in brain development lead to ADHD. There is evidence to suggest that it could be related to variations in brain chemistry, structure, or both. Additionally, scientists believe that the hormones and traits associated with sex may have an impact on ADHD and its symptoms. This may explain why boys and men are more prone to experience specific symptoms.
No comments yet