ADD Women
Many females with ADD / ADHD remain undiagnosed until adulthood. Some are overlooked altogether and never diagnosed.
For some women, a diagnosis is made after their own children are diagnosed. As she learns more and more about ADD, she recognizes the ADD traits in herself. It is often a huge relief to finally understand and put a name to the condition causing the problems.
Hormonal changes and fluctuations during puberty, the monthly premenstrual time, pregnancy, and menopause can all effect ADD symptoms. This has further complicated the understanding of ADD in women.
People are becoming more and more aware of adult ADD in general and there is a better understanding about the differences present in women versus men with ADD.
In addition, there appears to be more and more awareness of the “predominantly inattentive” subtype of ADD / ADHD that is more common in females. Rather than displaying the hyperactive, disruptive symptoms that are more noticeable, these females may present as introverted, shy, distractable, disorganized, forgetful, and daydreamy. They may have a low tolerance for stress, be extremely sensitive to criticism, and work hard to conform to adult expectations.
If a female has more of the hyperactive-impulsive symptoms of ADHD, she may present as hyper-talkative and hyper-social. She may have intense emotional reactions or be described as stubborn or argumentative. She may have poor self control, in addition to being distractible, inattentive, and disorganized.
Women with ADD face the same overwhelmed and exhausted feelings a man with ADD may have. Psychological distress, feelings of inadequacy, low self esteem, and chronic stress are common. Often women with ADD feel that their lives are out of control or in chaos. Daily tasks may seem insurmountable.
Though many women are expected to be caretakers, this role can be extremely frustrating and difficult for a women with ADD. When things feel out of control and she has trouble organizing and planning her own life, taking care of others seems nearly impossible. It also may exacerbate her feelings of inadequacy.
Many women with ADD also experience the following conditions.
- Dysphoria
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Alcohol Abuse
- Chronic Sleep Deprivation
- Compulsive Overeating
Additional Reading:
Treatment for Women with ADD
For Parents With ADD
Understanding ADD in Girls
ADD Versus ADHD
Sources:
Nadeau, Kathleen G., Adventures in Fast Forward: Life, Love, and Work for the ADD Adult. Brunner-Routledge, New York. 1996. National Resource Center on ADHD, Women and ADHD, What We Know series. Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Landover, MD. 2004.
