By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    photo of hands with blue veins
    8 Proven Tips on Finding Difficult Veins
    November 12, 2021
    tips for getting over the pandemic blues
    4 Proven Ways to Get Over the Pandemic Blues
    February 22, 2022
    medical industry innovations
    How is CNC Machining Transforming the Medical Industry?
    June 2, 2022
    Latest News
    Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
    May 16, 2025
    Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
    May 16, 2025
    Choosing the Right Supplement Manufacturer for Your Brand
    May 1, 2025
    Engineering Temporary Hospitals for Extreme Weather
    April 24, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Doctors on Google: Manhattan Research Survey 2012
    July 23, 2012
    HealthCare’s Need for Transparency Goes Far Beyond Pricing
    December 10, 2012
    Medicare Payments to Providers Are Carved, Sliced and Chopped by Sequestration
    March 25, 2013
    Latest News
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Unveiling the Reality of ADHD in Women
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Women Health > Unveiling the Reality of ADHD in Women
Women Health

Unveiling the Reality of ADHD in Women

ADHD can affect women very differently from men, so it is important to be aware of the unique symptoms.

Alexandra Rivers
Last updated: June 13, 2023 8:44 pm
Alexandra Rivers
Share
4 Min Read
women with ADHD
Shutterstock Licensed Photo - 570683890 | Ground Picture
SHARE

ADHD is a very common mental illness that affects millions of people. An estimated 5% of all children are on medication for this condition, but it affects a surprising number of adults as well.

There are many different symptoms of ADHD. You may be surprised to find out that women and men are affected differently.

Procrastination, forgetfulness, irritability, and anxiety are all normal parts of human life. For people with ADHD, however, these are some of the more common challenges they face every day. Women especially have trouble getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD, in large part due to social expectations and outdated medical guidelines.

ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic mental condition that affects various processes within the brain. It was long believed to be a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder sufferers grew out of, or a problem found only hyperactive children, usually boys.

More Read

watching tv can be good for your mental health
How Watching Movies and Shows Can Benefit Our Mental Health
Developing Meditations Apps to Fight the Mental Health Crisis
Five Benefits Of Taking A Graduate Certificate In Nursing Online
Can Exercise Improve Your Mood And Mental Focus?
Picture of Mental Health [INFOGRAPHIC]

New research shows that, while the challenges of childhood ADHD can diminish over time, symptoms can persist into adulthood for both sexes. Symptoms of ADHD are found in women nearly as often as they are found in men at all stages of life. They just look slightly different.

ADHD is a genetic condition. Many women who are diagnosed as adults recognize their own symptoms only after discovering ADHD in their children.

ADHD is heavily stigmatized and people who suffer from this condition are often simply seen as lazy. In fact, neurological research has shown that there are structural differences in the brains of people with ADHD. Certain areas develop differently than in neurotypical people, and the functioning of neurotransmitters responsible for memory and motivation, especially dopamine and noradrenaline, is dysregulated. In some cases, people with ADHD may suffer from being hyperfocused.

It is very important for women with ADHD to know and observe their menstrual cycle. They are more related than you may think. Often the symptoms of ADHD overlap with premenstrual syndrome or increase during periods of monthly hormonal fluctuations. Women with ADHD would track the menstrual cycle in period apps or use a safe online calculator to feel confident.

For people with ADHD, poor habits can create a cycle of distress. Living in a messy home, eating unhealthy meals, and feeling the stress of missing deadlines can all intensify the symptoms of ADHD, and having ADHD in the first place makes taking positive action to change things extremely challenging.

Girls more commonly present with the inattentive type of ADHD with symptoms such as being forgetful and disorganized, while boys often present with the hyperactive type of ADHD with symptoms such as being fidgety and disruptive. But this is not always the case.  Environmental factors can play a large role. Women are socialized to put their needs in second place. Little girls are reprimanded much more harshly than boys for loud and disruptive behavior, so they become better at maskingtheir emotions and their struggles. Women’s negative emotions are also often deemed insignificant.

Insisting on “good behavior” only encourages sufferers to hide their problems; it doesn’t solve them. A person cannot be “taught” to overcome ADHD.

The good news is that help is available and there are lots of tools and tricks people with ADHD can use to adapt and even thrive.

TAGGED:ADHDmental healthwomen's health
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share
By Alexandra Rivers
I am Alexandra Rivers, a highly experienced healthcare professional with extensive experience in hospital administration. With over 10 years of experience working in the field, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare industry and its complexities.

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Clinical Expertise
Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
Health care
May 18, 2025
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Health
May 15, 2025
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Health
May 15, 2025
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction heart treatment
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction
Cardiology
May 13, 2025

You Might also Like

probiotic supplements
Women Health

Potential Benefits of Probiotic Supplements in Supporting Reproductive Health

June 15, 2024

Mental Health Cost Cuts Strain Law Enforcement

March 14, 2011
Pregnancy

Abortion Rights Issues Heat Up In States Across The U.S

March 11, 2020
Mental Health

Common Causes Of Anxiety In Teens (And How To Manage It)

August 26, 2019
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?