Signs Of ADHD In Women, Men, And Children
Though it impacts around 8% of children and 2.5% of adults in the United States, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is a commonly misunderstood mental health disorder that has the potential to drastically influence one’s life quality and daily functioning. It can be difficult to understand ADHD partly because everyone experiences its symptoms differently and coping strategies or treatment options may vary between individuals.
This is particularly true for adults with ADHD that isn’t diagnosed, many of whom unknowingly develop coping mechanisms for several symptoms throughout life and successfully mask the true root of their challenges.
Recognizing ADHD symptoms can make you a better parent, friend, sibling, or ally to those in your life who need it. Awareness can also make it easier to determine whether or not symptoms you may experience yourself fall in line with what’s typically expected with ADHD.
What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person's ability to pay attention, causes hyperactivity in some, and can make it difficult to control impulsive behaviors.
An individual with ADHD may talk excessively, experience mood swings, struggle to sit still, daydream often, forget details in conversations, or struggle to manage intense emotions. Other common symptoms of ADHD in women tend to present differently than ADHD in men with women experiencing more inattentiveness than hyperactivity. Symptoms also must occur in two or more settings.
Though it’s often more obvious in younger children, ADHD and its symptoms aren't only a problem for people in their youth. For many individuals, adult ADHD symptoms can last for prolonged periods throughout adolescence and adulthood.
It is typical for children and adults alike to struggle with similar symptoms, like concentrating and behaving appropriately at some time in their lives, but with ADHD, these symptoms are more persistent. When left unaddressed, these symptoms can cause difficulties at home and school and can begin to impact an individual’s relationships and health.
What does ADHD stand for?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. In the past, the term “attention deficit disorder” (ADD) was used to describe inattentive type ADHD, but the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association and modern medical professionals refer to the disorder, regardless of its type, as just ADHD as it is more all-encompassing.
The different types of ADHD
Part of why ADHD looks different for each person is the fact that there is not just one, but three medically recognized types of the disorder. Different types present some symptoms more than others and may require different treatment plans, there are also signs of ADHD in women that are different from men. In addition, there are also co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and depression that may be present in people with ADHD.
Below are three primary kinds of ADHD as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V:
Hyperactive/impulsive type
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is a form of ADHD that is distinguished by impulsive, hyperactive behavior and thought patterns. Those who experience this type of ADHD often seem like they’re always on the go.
Individuals with this type of ADHD tend to exhibit the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity:
- Fidgeting or having a hard time staying still
- Squirming
- Difficulty waiting
- Getting up from a sitting position regularly
- Inappropriate running or moving, especially in children
- Excessive talking
- Speaking out of turn, thinking without much thought
- Interrupting
- Frequently "on the move," as if "propelled by a motor"
Other symptoms of ADHD diagnosed as inattentive type may still be present (and must be to some degree for an individual to receive an ADHD diagnosis) too, but to a lesser extent than the hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms listed above.
Inattentive type
This form of ADHD is characterized by a high inattention level, a high distractibility level, and a lack of hyperactivity.
Common indicators of ADHD inattentive type include:
- Making careless mistakes at work, struggling to pay attention to or understand details
- Difficulty paying attention and sustaining attention
- Making rash decisions
- Missing deadlines or losing things
- Struggling to stay focused on a task, especially those that are challenging
- Having a hard time listening or retaining information from the conversation
- Inability to follow or comprehend instructions
- Being easily distracted
- Forgetting, misplacing, or losing items frequently
- Trouble organizing tasks
This type of ADHD can be harder to see from the outside, especially with children. Oftentimes those with inattentive ADHD seem to “have their head in the clouds” and are easily overlooked or are misdiagnosed with another developmental disorder or mood disorders.
Combined type
This form of ADHD is marked by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors, inattention, and distractibility. As the name suggests, it combines symptoms of both types of ADHD.
For all ADHD types, a person may experience issues related to self-esteem. This is especially true in younger people as ADHD may impact school or cause unhealthy relationships as they try to learn new life management skills. Low self-esteem can cause teenagers with ADHD to feel isolated and left out.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause of ADHD is not known, however, ADHD is often, but not always, an inherited mental health condition, ADHD is often, but not always, an inherited condition, according to research. Mental health experts are largely confident that genetics play a significant role in determining whether or not an individual will develop ADHD, so if you have a family history of ADHD, you may have an increased risk of having ADHD.
ADHD doesn’t suddenly appear; instead, it’s likely connected to structural and biological differences in the brain that cause it to function differently. To illustrate this, dopamine (a brain chemical) and neurotransmitters are reduced in children with ADHD.
Studies conducted using PET scans (a form of brain imaging that allows researchers to see the human brain in action) show that in children with ADHD, brain metabolism is lower in the areas like the central nervous system that control attention, social judgment, and movement. Lower levels of dopamine and fewer (or too many, as this can result in increased removal of dopamine from the brain) neurotransmitters may also contribute to how the brain of someone with ADHD works.
Though this conclusion gives us some insight into who’s likely to develop ADHD and what’s going on behind the scenes, scientists are still looking into other risk factors for ADHD and methods for treating the disorder effectively.
While it’s generally considered a genetic disorder, ADHD is also thought to be caused by environmental factors in some cases. Scientists are investigating other possible causes and risk factors, including:
- Trauma to the brain
- Exposure to environmental pollutants or toxic substances (lead, for example) during pregnancy or at a young age
- Drinking and smoking while pregnant
- A low birth weight
- Premature birth
Research does not support that ADHD is caused by overeating sweets, watching too much television, or societal and environmental issues, including poverty or family instability.
Undoubtedly, many things, including these, might exacerbate symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence to establish that these are the primary or even secondary causes of ADHD.
Symptoms and signs of ADHD in children
Many people who experience ADHD receive a diagnosis as a child or adolescent; it’s often easier to diagnose ADHD in children because they tend to express their emotions and desires more openly and frequently.
Recognizing symptoms of ADHD in boys and girls
Children who experience ADHD will likely have many of the same symptoms that adults manage, but they tend to have a much harder time masking or handling them. Children may therefore be more likely to act out, behave badly, or integrate into society.
Young boys are more likely to be appropriately diagnosed than young girls are. Hyperactivity is more common among boys than girls, so it’s often easier for teachers, parents, and health professionals to identify behaviors as ADHD symptoms.
Girls are more likely to develop inattentive ADHD symptoms. This fact combined with social ideas about how boys and girls are “supposed” to act makes it easy for adults to look past what are clear warning signs or brush them off as “no big deal.”
Commons signs of ADHD in children
Children with ADHD may:
- Have a hard time sitting still, especially for extended periods
- Talk too often or interrupt others
- Experience seemingly extreme emotions or have a hard time working through emotional moments
- Experience sleep problems
- Have frequent stomach aches
- Struggle to make friends with other children
- Find it difficult to pay attention in class; in some cases, grades may suffer as a result
- Experience dyslexia and other learning disabilities
- Have trouble sleeping or develop sleep disorders
Catching ADHD during childhood can make the rest of a child’s life much easier, so it’s important to be aware of what sort of behavior is a normal part of being a child and what may be indicative of a bigger problem or mood disorder. However, it’s also important to note that children, particularly younger children, are more likely to exhibit behaviors associated with symptoms of ADHD such as restlessness, inattention, and strong emotions; these do not necessarily indicate that the child has ADHD. Parents and medical professionals alike should take this into careful consideration before using commonly prescribed medication and when evaluating or diagnosing children with the disorder.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults
Adults tend to display more subtle indicators of ADHD in their daily activities and, according to the Primary Care Companion, can be more challenging to diagnose. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research suggests that many adults do not know that they’re living with ADHD. Often, if the disorder is not noticed in early childhood, it is more likely to go undiagnosed. If you think you could have adult ADHD, these are some of the most common adult symptoms to check for:
- You aren’t able to keep your things and ideas in order.
- When driving a car, you are more inclined to speed, which might result in an accident.
- You have difficulty listening and concentrating on the person speaking.
- You find it challenging to form and sustain connections.
- You feel extreme restlessness.
- You have a propensity towards procrastination.
- You find it difficult to remain punctual.
- You find it difficult to control your emotions.
- As a child, you found school to be complicated.
Many of the above symptoms experienced by adults are similar to those that youngsters experience. The body has become accustomed to these actions due to the disease going untreated for so long.
Women and ADHD symptoms: A unique challenge
As discussed, due to gender expectations and biases, many girls and women with ADHD go undiagnosed for large periods of their lives; this is mostly because women are more likely to have inattentive symptoms, which can be harder to recognize. It is also important to note that women with ADHD may experience changing symptoms based on hormone fluctuations caused by menstruation.
Girls and women are more prone to have the following symptoms:
- Lack of focus. It may be difficult for girls with ADHD to pay attention. They may be unable to concentrate for long enough at home or at school to finish a task.
- Distractibility. Daydreaming, doodling, working on unrelated tasks, or what seems like slacking off can all be signs that a woman’s mind is struggling to stay focused on a single task.
- Hyperactivity. Girls and women may be more likely to express hyperactivity in less disruptive ways. Foot tapping or knee shaking, for instance, might take the place of running around.
- Impulsivity. Girls experiencing intense emotions may find it difficult to calm down or think about what they are doing and may engage in risky behavior, like substance use.
Living with ADHD
Living with ADHD doesn’t have to be a constant uphill battle.
Once you’ve done the hard work in recognizing the disorder and receiving a diagnosis, it’s very possible to treat ADHD effectively and reduce symptoms.
Treatment and support for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Your or your child's doctor can provide an appropriate diagnosis and help create an appropriate treatment plan depending on the following factors:
- Age, general health, and medical history
- Symptom severity
- Tolerance to certain drugs or treatments
- Expectations regarding the condition's progression
- Your point of view or preference
Parental support and instruction in behavioral therapy and proper school placement are essential parts of treatment for children with ADHD. For many adults and children with ADHD, treatment with a psychostimulant is successful.
Tips for managing ADHD and improving mental health
Many things can be done either for oneself or for children to make managing the symptoms of ADHD and/or its comorbid disorders (e.g. oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder) a healthy, approachable part of life.
Individuals with ADHD might find the following tips beneficial, especially over long periods:
- Control distractions: When work needs to be done, make sure there are few opportunities to stray away from it. Turn off the television, reduce noise, and give yourself a clean workplace.
- Limit your options: Many people with ADHD are easily overwhelmed by too many choices or commitments. Try to keep things simple whenever you can to avoid causing unnecessary stress.
- Make a schedule: Try to stick to the same routine every day, from waking up to going to bed.
- Get a handle on things: Encourage your child to keep their school bag, clothing, and toys in the same spot every day to reduce the chances of losing them.
- Discipline: Use practical guidance, time-outs, or the elimination of privileges as penalties for poor conduct instead of scolding or shouting.
- Don’t hesitate to seek therapy if you need it: Experiencing or raising a child living with ADHD can be a difficult and tiresome process, but websites like BetterHelp and TeenCounseling can make finding a mental health professional and the care you or your child needs easy and affordable.
TeenCounseling can be a resource for those struggling ADHD, and it can help parents and their teens find licensed, professional counselors. Here’s what one patient had to say about their experience and the benefits of therapy and how it can influence your child’s behavior:
Takeaway
Online therapy can be helpful to those with a variety of issues or concerns, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. The online format means that sessions can be conducted wherever is most comfortable and convenient for you, including your own home, so long as you have a reliable internet connection. Additionally, online therapy increases availability to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to seek mental healthcare due to scheduling difficulties, lack of transportation, or difficulty with leaving the home.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science found that internet-based therapy for young adults with ADHD is not only effective but was preferred by the majority of participants to in-person therapy.Frequently asked questions
How do people with ADHD think?
People with ADHD often have a different thinking style from other people. Some may think less linearly than average — for example, when recalling a story, they may jump between different sections rather than proceeding from beginning to end. Their train of thought may also be more prone to departing on tangents, and they’re often more likely to be distracted by things in their environment. It may also be harder for them to focus their attention on something they don’t find interesting.
On the other hand, some ADHD-related traits may enhance creative thinking. A person with this condition could be more likely to come up with unusual solutions to problems, or to draw connections between things that other people wouldn’t see.
Perception may also be different for those with this diagnosis. Researchers have noted that sensory sensitivity is often enhanced or dampened in people with ADHD. Some of these individuals may perceive sensory input more strongly, experiencing sounds as louder and colors as brighter. This trait is called hypersensitivity. Others can experience hyposensitivity, in which sensations are less noticeable than they are for the average person.
Do I have ADHD or am I normal?
It’s not possible to self-diagnose ADHD, but identifying some of the characteristic signs may help you decide whether you should get an assessment from a mental health professional. According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the typical symptoms of ADHD can be grouped into three categories:
- Inattention. A person with ADHD may frequently overlook details, misplace objects, forget things, and lose focus on what they’re doing. Their mind may seem to drift in conversations, giving the impression that they’re not listening. Finishing tasks and following instructions can be difficult, as can organization and time management. They may also dislike highly structured activities or tasks that require them to pay attention for long periods.
- Hyperactivity. Symptoms in this category can include fidgeting, squirming, and a reluctance to remain in place. They may feel restless when called on to remain still. Some individuals with ADHD may appear highly driven, preferring to remain active and busy rather than settling down. They may also talk more than people without ADHD, sometimes excessively.
- Impulsivity. This category is often grouped with #2 — psychologists and clinicians may refer to symptoms of “hyperactivity/impulsivity.” Impulsive symptoms of ADHD can include a tendency to interrupt, act out of turn, or finish other people’s sentences. Some may also be more prone to risky behaviors or acting with little forethought.
An individual with ADHD may not display all of the signs listed above. Some people may display mainly inattentive symptoms, while others may be more prone to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Others might be diagnosed with a “combined presentation” of ADHD, meaning they show symptoms from all three domains.
While people with ADHD may feel like they’re “not normal” because their thought processes are different from those of their peers, it’s quite common for people with this condition to lead successful, happy, and fulfilling lives. If you do receive a diagnosis of ADHD, you can likely manage your symptoms effectively through a combination of medication, counseling, and behavioral skill training.
Is ADHD a mental health issue?
The American Psychiatric Association classifies ADHD as a mental disorder because if it’s not identified and managed, it may lead to many undesirable outcomes, including:
- Academic difficulties
- Impaired work performance
- Decreased self-esteem
- Social difficulties
- Challenges with forming and sustaining relationships
- Difficulty completing everyday tasks
That said, the goal of treatment is not to “fix” the condition or cause people with this disorder to think the same way as those without it. There’s not currently a cure for ADHD, and many researchers believe that permanently altering the way people with this condition think may not be possible.
Instead, most psychological professionals treating this condition focus on helping affected individuals learn strategies to compensate for the difficulties caused by their condition. They may also prescribe medication to enhance focus and decrease hyperactivity.
When does ADHD usually start?
ADHD symptoms are usually first observed in childhood, with a median age at onset of 6 years. This can vary depending on the severity of the condition, though. Severe ADHD is often noticed earlier, usually around age 4, while milder cases may not be noticed until age 7. Some people don’t realize they have ADHD until well into adulthood, though in retrospect, they usually recall signs being present in childhood.
Note that the ages described above refer to the point when symptoms become apparent to others. ADHD is a developmental disorder, meaning that the differences in brain function are likely present long before the signs are noticeable.
What causes ADHD?
The exact causes of ADHD aren’t yet fully understood. Studies of families, twins, and adopted children have provided strong evidence that genetic factors play a very large role in this condition. However, researchers are still working to map the developmental pathways responsible, which seem to involve complex interactions between many different genes.
Some scientists think other factors may play a causal role, including brain injuries, premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to lead or other toxic chemicals, and maternal consumption of alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy. These potential causes have not yet been well established by research.
How can I tell if my child has ADHD?
It can be difficult to be certain whether someone has ADHD unless they receive an evaluation from a qualified mental health professional. But it’s often a good idea to consult with a specialist if your child often:
- Makes careless mistakes
- Forgets important details
- Seems to be “spacing out” or ignoring you when you talk to them
- Loses things often
- Gets distracted
- Fidgets, taps their feet, or moves around in their seat
- Seems resistant and reluctant to do things that require concentration
- Has trouble completing tasks
- Talks excessively
- Fails to wait their turn
- Interrupts others
- Blurts out responses without waiting to be prompted or before a question is finished
- Has trouble planning and organizing their actions
- Leaves their seat
- Is unable to participate in leisure activities quietly
- Runs, jumps, crawls, or climbs where it’s not appropriate
- Displays extremely high amounts of energy
- Engages in risky behavior or seems not to consider consequences
- Struggles to get along with others
These behaviors may occur in lots of children, but they can be signs of ADHD when they’re excessive and inappropriate for their developmental level. For example, almost all 6-year-olds will show a lack of organization compared to a teen. But if they seem to approach tasks in a chaotic way even compared to others in their age group, it could be an indicator of ADHD.
You may also want to keep in mind that a diagnosis of ADHD generally requires that at least 5-6 symptoms are present for 6 months or more. A single trait from the list above, such as a tendency to lose possessions, may not be relevant by itself. The signs of ADHD must also be seen in two or more settings — for instance, both at home and in school.
What causes ADHD in the brain?
The brains of people with ADHD tend to have numerous differences in structure compared to those of neurotypical individuals. They often show reduced connectivity between certain major brain regions.
For example, white matter tissue may be decreased in the frontostriatal circuit, which connects frontal lobe areas involved in rational thought and behavior control with those responsible for reward, motivation, and habit formation. Decreased volume may also be seen in the frontoparietal network, which appears to play an important role in sustaining attention and focus.
The severity of ADHD symptoms in young people may be correlated with reduced size of brain structures including:
- The frontal lobes, which control actions and mental reflection
- The temporal lobes, which have a variety of functions related to memory and sensations
- The caudate nucleus, which plays an important role in learning and behavioral inhibition
- The cerebellum, which helps to control and coordinate movement
What are 3 signs you have ADHD?
Many people wonder whether they have ADHD even if they never received a diagnosis in childhood. If you think you might have this condition, it may help to compare your behavior to that of other adults your age, keeping the 3 key ADHD symptom categories in mind. You could have this condition if:
- You have trouble sustaining attention. Do you get distracted easily and have a hard time concentrating? Do you struggle to finish tasks without getting sidetracked? Have people you know complained that you often don’t seem to be paying attention to them?
- You’re hyperactive. Are you often restless? Do you get bored easily and find it unpleasant to sit still? Does constant activity feel more comfortable than relaxing and being quiet?
- You have a hard time with impulse control. Does it seem like you often act or react with little forethought? Would people who know you describe you as reckless or impulsive? Do you frequently get yourself in hot water by blurting out something inappropriate?
It may be worth bearing in mind that most researchers believe adult-onset is extremely rare, with most supposed cases better explained by other factors — often commonly-related conditions like anxiety disorders or substance use disorder. If you can’t recall a pattern of ADHD-like symptoms extending back to your childhood, the odds that you have this disorder now may be low. Adult symptoms of ADHD may also manifest in less noticeable ways due to greater socialization and impulse control.
What are the 17 symptoms of ADHD?
The 17 symptoms of ADHD listed in the DSM-V are as follows:
- Lack of attention to detail, sometimes resulting in careless mistakes
- Difficulty maintaining focus during learning, play, or tasks
- Apparent lack of attention when spoken to
- Lack of follow-through on instructions or activities
- Difficulty organizing time, actions, and belongings
- Displeasure at or reluctance to do things requiring sustained attention or cognitive effort
- Losing things that are important for activities or responsibilities
- Susceptibility to distraction
- Forgetfulness
- Restless movement and fidgeting
- Frequently leaving seat when expected to remain in place
- Running or climbing where it’s not allowed or appropriate
- Difficulty remaining quiet during play or relaxation time
- High energy level, often to the point of excessive activity
- Unusual talkativeness
- Frequently speaking or acting out of turn
- Interrupting, intruding, or “butting in”
The first 9 items are considered inattention symptoms, while the remaining 8 are classified as symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. These designations aren’t mutually exclusive; a person with ADHD may have several symptoms in both categories.
How do you get diagnosed with ADHD?
Diagnosing ADHD requires an evaluation by either a mental health care professional or a primary care provider. For childhood diagnosis, the process often involves both behavioral observation and discussions with adults who interact with the child in different settings, such as family members, teachers, coaches, and parents of friends.
The person making the diagnosis may also investigate whether related conditions are present, such as depression, learning disorders, or disruptive behavior disorders. Sometimes these disorders may produce similar symptoms to ADHD.
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