ADHD Disorder (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that usually starts in childhood, and if not diagnosed or given proper treatment then it frequently persists lifelong. People with ADHD indicate behaviors related with impulsiveness and hyperactivity, inattentiveness, or a combination of both.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Researchers found that the difference in the rate of treatment between male and females is likely due to ADHD symptoms occurring differently in females, which may lead to the symptoms being underdiagnosed in females.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also affect adults and shows symptoms such as hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. ADHD affects many children, the data indicates that 388,000 children between the ages of 2 and 5, 2.4 million between the ages of 6 and 11, and 3.3 million adolescents 12 to 17 and it is estimated that 5 percent of the whole population gets diagnosed with the ADHD condition between the ages of 2 and 17. But this is only approximate data which excludes many others who won’t receive any treatment.
In the same study it has been found that males are more prone to ADHD disorders than females, statistics are 13 percent male versus 5.7 percent females and the presence of ADHD in adults globally is 2.5 percent. However, research shows that ADHD affects more females than once reported. ADHD symptoms are generally found less in females.
ADHD disorder can also occur with other mental health conditions. Like bipolar disorder in adults causes ADHD disorders. While one fifth of adults with the ADHD disorders have major depressive conditions. About 50 percent have a personality disorder, and another 50 percent have anxiety disorders.
ADHD disorders in Children
ADHD disorder symptoms are typically classified into three categories, which are;
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: In this type of condition it is difficult for the person to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. And the person is also frequently distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: In this type of disorder the person twists and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still or concentrate on things which require concentration. The individual feels restlessness and has trouble with impulsivity. The person who is impulsive may interrupt or disturb others frequently, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait for the results or listen to directions.
- Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are commonly found in the person.
Here below, we will examine ADHD symptoms in male and females to find significant differences;
ADHD in Males vs Females
Males have ADHD disorder approximately 3 times more than females, but the ratio of males to females is approximately equal. Researchers believe that this is due to an underdiagnosis of females rather than ADHD being more frequent in males.
There are many reasons for this ;
- Males tend to show impulsive and hyperactive symptoms, while females are more likely to show inattentive symptoms.
- Females frequently develop balanced adaptive behaviors and coping strategies that counter their symptoms.
- Females often present their symptoms more internally, while male show their symptoms more externally.
- Females with ADHD are more prone to disorders such as anxiety or depression.
- When females are adolescents they are more prone to inattentive symptoms and are more likely to occur in a structured educational environment like in high school or college.
In general, males with ADHD are more prone to have symptoms and behaviors that are more disruptive and, therefore, more noticeable but females with ADHD are generally less disruptive. Even when females show similar symptoms as male.
Symptoms of ADHD disorder in males
While males can exhibit symptoms of inattention, they are more likely than females to show impulsive and hyperactive behaviors instead of addition to the inattentive ones.
Impulsive and hyperactive symptoms such as;
- Talking excessively
- Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or squirming in their seat
- Difficulty waiting their turn, such as while waiting in line
- Difficulty staying seated when expected to, such as in a classroom
- Running around or climbing when or where it is inappropriate
- Inability to play or do activities quietly
- Constantly “on the go,” as if driven by a motor
- Blurting out responses before a question has been finished, finishing people’s sentences, difficulty waiting to speak in conversations
- Interrupting or intruding on others during conversations, games, and activities, taking over what others are doing, using other people’s things without permission, etc.
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Symptoms of ADHD disorder in females
Females might have impulsive and hyperactive type ADHD disorder, but more frequently they show symptoms for inattentive type;
Inattentive symptoms such as;
- Easily distracted
- Lack of paying close attention to details
- Avoiding or disliking tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Frequently losing needed belongings, such as school papers, books, cell phone, and glasses
- Making “careless” mistakes in tasks such as schoolwork
- Difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities such as lectures, conversations, or reading for long periods
- Seeming not to listen, or “zoning out” when spoken to
- Not following through on instructions and not completing (or starting but losing focus on) tasks such as schoolwork, chores, or job duties
- Forgetting common tasks like chores, or in teens and adults, running errands, returning phone calls, paying bills, and keeping appointments
- Difficulty with organizing, such as poor time management, messy work, and living spaces, disorganized work (like homework), missed deadlines, etc.
When an ADHD disorder is not diagnosis or not given proper treatment on time then later you may experiences developing comorbid conditions such as;
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorder
- Low self-esteem
How to Manage Symptoms of ADHD disorder ?
Being healthy is important for all humans and especially important for children with ADHD. There is no permanent solution for these ADHD disorders. In addition to or instead of medication, several remedies have been suggested to help improve ADHD symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the starting stages of ADHD,
Along with behavioral therapy and medication, having a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet can make it easier for your child to deal with ADHD symptoms. some healthy habits such as;
- Having healthy diets and following healthy eating habits such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Doing physical activities daily at least 60 minutes per day
- Having a good sleeping habit
- Avoid using phones, computers, and TV.
- Doing mind relaxing activities such as yoga, tai chi or spending time outdoor activities can help calm overactive minds and may minimize your ADHD symptoms.
- Mindfulness meditation is also an option to ease your ADHD symptoms.
- Avoiding additives which are harming your brain are also potential ways to reduce ADHD symptoms.
Conclusion
ADHD symptoms are 3 times more frequent in males than females, but researchers advised that females may be underdiagnosed. That’s because ADHD shows symptoms differently in males than in females. Males tend to have impulsive, hyperactive, and externalized traits and females tend to have inattentive, internalized traits.
Due to these factors, females are generally diagnosed at older ages than males, often in adulthood. More research are required to know more about the ADHD treatments. And more clinically trials are required to find medication to avoid ADHD symptoms.