ADHD in Girls and Women

Although genes play a strong role, ADHD can happen to anyone. It develops in childhood and 5% to 11% of children have it. More than three-quarters of people who had ADHD in childhood, continue to have it as adults. Boys may be diagnosed at least twice as often as girls, but that does not mean that more boys have it. Because their symptoms can be harder to spot, some experts say girls do not get diagnosed as much. Even though ADHD always starts in childhood, many females do not find out they have it until they are adults. Some do not find out at all. Inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive are the three main kinds of ADHD. For girls, the inattentive type is most common. Lack of focus and trouble listening and paying attention, being easily distracted, disorganized and frequently forgetting, and losing things, failure to follow through and making mistakes that seem as careless are common symptoms of inattentive ADHD. Girls with this order may get into trouble in school but usually not for acting out. They are considered daydreamers. Also, girls with ADHD may have a hard time socializing. ADHD can make it hard for adult women to stay on top of a job and handle the stresses of day-to-day life. Managing personal finances, completing household tasks and caring for the children might be a struggle for them. When they have trouble getting things done, girls are more likely than boys with this disorder to blame themselves. It can also be harder to read social cues, which can make some girls feel insecure. ADHD can interfere with their ability to make friends. This can leave them vulnerable to depression, anxiety and eating disorders. Girls with this condition are more likely to develop bulimia or anorexia than girls without ADHD. Although there is no cure, children and adults can learn to handle ADHD with the right care.