Recognising and Treating ADHD in Adult Women: What You Need to Know

What Causes ADHD in Women?

While the exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, experts believe several factors may contribute to its development in women. These include:

• Family History: ADHD is often inherited, meaning it can be passed down from parent to child.
• Brain Development: Individuals with ADHD have differences in how their brains develop and function.
• Chemical Imbalance: Changes in brain chemicals, such as dopamine, may play a role in ADHD.
• Hormonal Differences: Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women, could influence the severity or presentation of ADHD symptoms.

ADHD Diagnosis in Women

A mental healthcare professional is best equipped with the tools to provide the right diagnosis for ADHD. Since ADHD symptoms can vary in nature and intensity, diagnosis usually involves interviewing the client about their challenges, their symptoms, and more. Since women normally show atypical symptoms, it is important to engage in honest conversation in a comfortable, non-judgmental environment with an expert to arrive at a personalised treatment plan. 

Additionally, for a diagnosis, at least five ongoing symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be present. These symptoms should appear in at least two different settings, such as work, school, or home, and interfere with day-to-day functioning. Furthermore, a history of ADHD symptoms that began before the age of 12 is typically required to confirm the diagnosis.

Challenges of ADHD Diagnosis in Women

Diagnosing ADHD in women is often more complex than in men, largely due to the unique way the condition manifests and how societal expectations influence behaviour. Women may display subtler, internalised symptoms that don't conform to traditional ADHD diagnostic criteria. As a result, many women remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which can delay appropriate treatment and worsen their condition over time.

Why ADHD in Women is Often Misdiagnosed

Because hyperactive ADHD has more visible symptoms like impulsivity and disruptive behaviours, it is often easier to spot compared to inattentive ADHD, which has atypical symptoms. Lack of attentiveness or disorganisation can be more difficult for a non-professional to identify. In fact, some of these ADHD symptoms in adult women are viewed as stress or mood disorders. Women are also more likely to mask their symptoms due to societal pressures to be organised and focused, making it harder for healthcare professionals to identify ADHD without an in-depth assessment. They may thus develop coping strategies that disguise their symptoms, further hindering recognition and eventual treatment. Misdiagnosis often leads to untreated ADHD, exacerbating symptoms and related mental health issues such as depression.

Gender Bias in ADHD Diagnosis

Historically, ADHD has been evaluated based on behaviours of hyperactive behaviours among young boys, and similar symptoms have been highlighted, leaving less room for diagnosis for muted symptoms that are prevalent in women. This lack of recognition is compounded by the fact that women are often expected to be organised and less impulsive, which urges them to hide their concerns. They often take extra measures to hide their inattentiveness to ensure they don’t come across as less of a woman to those around them. ADHD symptoms in adult women are also often brushed aside as “mood swings” or other apparently less concerning issues. 

Struggles Faced by Women with ADHD in Daily Life 

Women with ADHD face various challenges across different aspects of life, including education, work, relationships, and daily tasks. These challenges encompass emotional control issues, learning difficulties, heightened risk of mental health conditions, difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships, struggles in managing daily responsibilities, and difficulty with organisation and decision-making. ADHD symptoms can also lead to increased feelings of frustration, causing hindrances in achieving your goals. 

Societal Expectations and ADHD in Women

Societal expectations often create a barrier for women to express their concerns, often exacerbating them. Society often expects women to be highly organised, emotionally stable, and less impulsive. This pressure can lead women with ADHD to develop unusual coping mechanisms, like masking their symptoms, which may hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment. These expectations can create a sense of internal conflict and further strain on their daily lives, relationships, and self-esteem.

ADHD in Adult Women and Relationships

Women with ADHD may face challenges in relationships due to the tendency to hide their struggles. Societal expectations often pressure them to appear organised and emotionally stable. This masking can lead to difficulties in building trust and maintaining connections. Additionally, their struggles with planning and responsibilities may be misinterpreted as indifference, causing strain in relationships. It's crucial to recognize that these behaviours are often a result of societal conditioning and not a deliberate choice on their part.

ADHD in the Workplace: Women's Challenges

ADHD in the workplace can present distinct challenges for women, as meeting professional expectations is combined with gendered expectations of being polite, nurturing, and accommodating. Maintaining organisation, attention to detail, and time management can be particularly daunting for women with ADHD. Women may use excessive effort to mask their symptoms, potentially leading to burnout. Work-related stress and performance issues can further exacerbate the struggle. 

Co-Occurring Conditions with ADHD in Women

ADHD is frequently accompanied by co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression, with some overlapping symptoms, especially in women. Disordered eating, particularly anorexia and bulimia, is also prevalent.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is common in young girls and adolescents with ADHD. Additionally, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, eating disorders, and mood disorders can coexist with ADHD. These comorbid conditions can complicate the diagnosis, but awareness and expertise can help healthcare professionals identify and address them effectively.

Coping Strategies and Support for ADHD in Adult Women

When coping with ADHD, it is crucial to take proactive steps to manage symptoms and enhance well-being. These strategies for women encompass regular exercise and mindfulness practices to improve focus and mood. Consider making dietary adjustments, such as a balanced diet and limiting sugar and caffeine, as it can help control impulsivity and hyperactivity. While it is challenging at first, consider taking steps to improve organisational skills, time management, and sleep hygiene, which are key for managing daily life. At the workplace, decluttering, minimising distractions, and using tools like planners can enhance productivity and reduce the frustration that comes with ADHD. Effective communication and emotional management can aid in smoother relationships and also help you speak about your concerns, creating a compassionate environment. 

Treatment and Management of ADHD in Women

Treatment for ADHD in women usually involves a holistic, multifaceted, personalised approach based on the unique symptoms and situation of the person dealing with it. Treatment options include medication, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and practical solutions like behavioural coaching and management strategies.

The primary step is to receive an accurate diagnosis which provides you much needed clarity on the condition, and empowers you to utilise your strengths as a person to manage your symptoms. Remember that the best way to treat ADHD is by consulting a mental healthcare expert, who will provide you a personalised treatment plan based on your unique needs. 

Medications for ADHD in Women

Medications for ADHD are recommended by psychiatrists not as a cure to the disorder but to provide respite and manage the symptoms of ADHD in women better. Remember that it is important to follow the course of medication as recommended by an expert since the amount and interval of medication can vary dramatically depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Common medications prescribed for ADHD in women include the following: 

• Stimulants: methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®)
• Non-stimulants: atomoxetine (Strattera®), viloxazine (Qelbree®), clonidine (Kapvay®), guanfacine (Intuniv®)
• Antidepressants: bupropion (Wellbutrin®), desipramine (Norpramin®), imipramine (Tofranil®), nortriptyline (Pamelor™)

Medication is just one aspect of a larger holistic treatment plan for ADHD in adult women. 

Therapy and Lifestyle Changes

Therapy and lifestyle changes are integral components of ADHD management. Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy aids in developing planning, organisation, impulse control, and stress management skills. Behavioural coaching is another technique that provides practical solutions for daily challenges, enhancing time management and organisation. Alongside these therapies, adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quality sleep hygiene can significantly contribute to symptom control. 

Parenting When You Have ADHD

Parenting with ADHD as a woman can be highly challenging as focusing on tasks and responsibilities becomes difficult. Try to spend regular time with your child without the presence of others. Find ways to bond with your child without burning yourself out. Take breaks and share duties with your partner. Parenting with ADHD can be made easier with the support and compassion of your partner, so try to share your challenges and maintain an environment of trust.  

Get Expert Care for ADHD in Women at Cadabam’s

If you are a woman who is seeking expert guidance and treatment for ADHD, consider Cadabams. With over 30 years of experience in the field of mental healthcare, our licensed professionals can accurately diagnose your condition, provide a personalised treatment plan, and constantly guide you along your recovery journey. 

If you are searching for a solution to your problem, Cadabam’s Rehabilitation Centre can help you with its team of specialised experts. We have been helping thousands of people live healthier and happier lives for 30+ years. We leverage evidence-based approaches and holistic treatment methods to help women effectively manage ADHD symptoms. Get in touch with us today. You can call us at +91 96111 94949. 

FAQs

What are the common symptoms of ADHD in adult women?

ADHD symptoms in adult women often present as inattention, forgetfulness, disorganisation, and difficulty managing time. Women may also experience emotional challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty maintaining relationships.

What are the treatment options for ADHD in adult women?

Treatment for ADHD in adult women often includes a combination of medication (such as stimulants or non-stimulants), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), lifestyle changes like regular exercise, and organisational strategies to manage symptoms.

How common is ADHD in women?

ADHD is more common in women than previously thought. Recent research suggests that while ADHD is often diagnosed more in men, many women remain undiagnosed due to less obvious symptoms, like inattention rather than hyperactivity. Studies indicate that ADHD affects between 3-5% of adult women, though this number might be higher due to underdiagnosis.

Is inattentive ADHD in women more common than hyperactive ADHD?

Yes, inattentive ADHD in women is more common than the hyperactive subtype. Women tend to experience symptoms like difficulty with focus, memory, and organisation, which can be less visible than the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms seen more often in men. As a result, inattentive ADHD in women is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.