Women and ADHD

Children are not the only ones affected by Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. Teenagers and adults can be affected, too. With adults, it is difficult to say if their condition is ADHD or not because generally adults do not get diagnosed with this disorder; however, it is possible. Most adults are already established in their way of doing things and instead of diagnosing them with ADHD, it is just assumed that that is how they are; however, we must not think this because adults can be affected with ADHD, too. It has also been found that it is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in women, as opposed to men.

Affected ADHD women are often untreated because the stereotype for women is that they are shy and reserved and because they are females, they should act prim and proper; however, it’s not as it seems. As women grow older, their responsibilities expand as wives and mothers. These responsibilities are what lead to overwhelming feelings, which can further lead to depression, anxiety, and possibly social issues.

What are the indications of ADHD in women?

1. Hypersensitivity: Women tend to become overwhelmed, especially if there are children in the household because of the noise, interruptions, and lack of privacy.

2. Low Self-Esteem: Most women when they get married and have kids do not do the things that they used to do, such as going to the spa, having a manicure/pedicure, going to the gym, or shopping for clothes. Once they stop these hobbies these women feel as though they are not as good looking anymore, especially if the women had gained weight after giving birth.

3. Tardiness: Many women start showing up late to events, appointments, or family functions.

4. Gets easily upset or frustrated: This can be a symptom of ADHD, but this can also be due to hormonal changes.

5. Insomnia: Many women experience difficulty falling asleep and/or waking up.

6. Develop Addictions: Women will become addicted to watching soap operas and/or shopping.

7. Financial Struggles: Some women experience difficulty with budgeting money.

8. Ashamed or Embarrased Feelings: A lot of women do not like to invite people over to her house because she thinks she and her house are a mess.

Most women who show these symptoms are silently suffering. It is important that she is diagnosed to test adult ADD
and gets treated immediately because it can lead to serious problems that will surely affect her life as a wife, mother, and as a person.