ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactive disorder is experienced by around 4% of adults, and 9% of children in the world. Only around 4% of females get diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms for females include being easily distracted, crying easily, hyper-talking, problems completing tasks, daydreaming, and being verbally impulsive. Although men are diagnosed with this disorder more than women, women have been underdiagnosed because they are more likely to use coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Also, parents and teachers are less likely to refer them for diagnosis and treatment.
Men and women differ in the symptoms of ADHD. Females tend to show more inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactivity and impulsivity. They are more likely to internalize their symptoms, causing them to be less disruptive and not fit the ADHD stereotype. Therefore, this disorder is often missed in young girls. Because of this, many don’t figure out that they have ADHD until a lot later in their life. The DSM-5 is often used as a criteria checklist to diagnose patients with different disorders, such as ADHD. However, since females have less external symptoms, they are less likely to get diagnosed.
Treatments for ADHD include drugs, therapy, and setting tasks/activities. Psychostimulants are most commonly prescribed and it is used to boost and balance brain chemicals, further improving hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Examples of such psychostimulants include Amphetamines and Methylphenidates. Therapy is also used to cope with the struggles one may face due to ADHD, such as insecurity and inability to control oneself. Lastly, tasks like exercise, making friends, and setting deadlines helps create boundaries and act as positive coping mechanisms to benefit oneself.
Being a female with ADHD, or potentially having ADHD, it is important to get help and find a way to check if one needs to be diagnosed so treatment and therapy can be prescribed.
Works Cited
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350895
https://www.verywellhealth.com/adhd-in-women-common-signs-and-symptoms-5211604