ADHD Symptoms in Women Adults vs Men

About 5% of the adults across the United States have ADHD, however, only a handful of studies investigate the effects specific to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on women who are adults. In the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 12.9 percent of boys and men live with ADHD in comparison to 5.6 percent of women and girls. However, females and girls may be affected more than these figures suggest. Female bias and ignoring ADHD symptoms may have something to do with these differences.

Girls show less "hyperactive" behaviors than boys are. Many studies focus on the hyperactive ADHD patterns that are more prevalent among males. Unfortunately, when young girls' ADHD symptoms go undiagnosed, the problems may continue until adulthood. If not treated, ADHD can affect your overall health.

ADHD is known as a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the brain. It usually manifests in childhood but it can also persist into adulthood. In some cases, people suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis until they are adults. Doctors usually identify ADHD when they are in their early teens. Women with ADHD are more vulnerable to eating disorders and obesity, as well as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. ADHD signs in women often go unnoticed until they reach college, at which point they are not self-regulated and lack self-management.

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