ADHD

In women, symptoms of ADHD tend to involve more inattentiveness than hyperactivity or impulsivity. As a woman with ADHD, you may consistently forget items, details, or instructions, or have a difficult time staying organized or focused. Women with ADHD also tend to report more symptoms of anxiety and depression. You may also be better at masking your symptoms and developing coping strategies than men, which can make the condition less apparent and delay a diagnosis.

Attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is an outdated name for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Whether or not a person demonstrates hyperactive behavior, the official diagnosis will still be ADHD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, you might still hear people use the term ADD to describe ADHD.

Because it can limit a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, such as learning in school or focusing at work, ADHD is considered a disability. Depending on where you live and the severity of your symptoms, if you have ADHD you might qualify for benefits, protections, and accommodations. For example, in the United States, ADHD is included under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

ADHD can come with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, or some combination of both. Symptoms of inattention include being disorganized, forgetfulness, difficulty listening or following instructions, frequently losing things, and a lack of focus. Signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity include frequent fidgeting and restlessness, interrupting others, excessive talking, and difficulty with quiet activities, such as reading.

Experts are uncertain about the exact causes of ADHD. Research has shown that genetics are likely an important factor, as ADHD may be passed down from parents to children. However, environmental factors, such as nutrition or exposure to lead, may potentially contribute as well. It’s also possible that premature delivery, low birth weight, or similar issues around birth have a role to play. Some research also focuses on whether traumatic brain injury may be a risk factor.