Most girls with ADHD have the inattentive type, which means that they have problems focusing but are not hyperactive and impulsive. But even those who are hyperactive and impulsive present with less obvious symptoms than boys, so it often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged.
Women with ADHD face the same feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted as men with ADHD commonly feel. Psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and chronic stress are common. Often, women with ADHD feel that their lives are out of control or in chaos, and daily tasks may seem impossibly huge.
A girl with ADHD may have impulsivity and be hyper-talkative. She may be verbally impulsive, interrupt others, talk excessively, or change topics repeatedly during conversations. She might even blurt out words without thinking about their impact on others. Girls with ADHD can also be overly sensitive.
ADHD does not look the same in boys and girls. Women with the disorder tend to be less hyperactive and impulsive, more disorganized, scattered, forgetful, and introverted. “They've alternately been anxious or depressed for years,” Littman says. “It's this sense of not being able to hold everything together.”
Some key signs of ADHD in girls include: talking frequently or excessively, even when parents or teachers ask them to stop. extreme emotional sensitivity and reactivity, such as crying or becoming upset easily. extreme focus on things that interest them.
To diagnose ADHD, your child should have a full physical exam, including vision and hearing tests. Also, they'll probably be tested with the NEBA System. The evaluation may also include interviewing you, your child's teachers, and any other adults who are a big part of your child's life.
ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and in some children, they're noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may continue into adulthood. ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviors can be different in boys and girls.
Missed diagnosis of ADHD in women and girls may occur when anxiety or depression presents in association with ADHD because symptoms of ADHD may mistakenly be attributed to the coexisting condition.
ADHD often looks different in girls or women. Unfortunately, many clinicians may still not recognize and accurately diagnose their ADHD. This can be a tremendous barrier to effective treatment.
But girls with ADHD usually turn their pain and anger inward. This puts girls at an increased risk for depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Girls with undiagnosed ADHD are also more likely to have problems in school, social settings, and personal relationships than other girls.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a "boys' disorder" because it's nearly twice as common in boys as girls.
Girls are also less likely to be diagnosed earlier because they often display more symptoms of anxiety. Medical providers may only treat a female patient's anxiety or depression without evaluating for ADHD. Hormones, which affect the symptoms of both ADHD and anxiety, can complicate things.
Answer: Using caffeine, either in a drink or in an over-the-counter preparation, is not recommended by medical experts as a treatment for ADHD. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may improve concentration in adults with ADHD, it is not as effective as medication.
ADHD Symptoms That Become Even Worse with Anxiety
Your stress increases, as does your physical and emotional experience of that stress. You feel on edge much of the time. You may feel fatigued—and perhaps even more strained in your attempts to get things done. You may find socialization even more difficult than usual.
In the past, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has often been viewed as an elementary-aged male disorder, causing girls and women to be overlooked when exhibiting the same symptoms. Some studies estimate that as many as 50% to 75% of girls with ADHD are missed.
Boys (13%) are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls (6%).
Effective treatment involves a multimodal approach that often includes medication, therapy and counseling, stress management techniques, workplace and homelife accommodations. Some women and girls incorporate various lifestyle strategies to help manage their ADHD.
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as four years old. To be diagnosed between the ages of four and 16, a child must show six or more symptoms for more than six months, with most signs appearing before age 12.
Getting an accurate diagnosis enables them to find and start an effective treatment plan, which is life-changing. A failure to recognize these behaviors, especially when they're severe, can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD.
Stimulants are believed to work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with motivation, pleasure, attention, and movement. For many people with ADHD, stimulant medications boost concentration and focus while reducing hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
A study1 conducted by the University of South Carolina concluded that the more sugar hyperactive children consumed, the more destructive and restless they became. A study2 conducted at Yale University indicates that high-sugar diets may increase inattention in some kids with ADHD.
Caffeine's effects on the body and brain
Caffeine interacts with a molecule in the body called adenosine , which assists with communication between brain cells and acts as a nervous system depressant. Adenosine levels increase throughout the day and help promote feelings of drowsiness.
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms associated with ADHD — and one of the least talked about.