PHDA (or ADHD) in Women: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

AND PHDA (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is often associated with children and men, but women are also significantly affected, although they often go unnoticed.

Throughout history, PHDA has been diagnosed with higher prevalence in men.

In both children and adults, the proportion of PHDA diagnoses is about 2 boys/men for every 1 boy/woman diagnosed.

In this article, we will explore the main information about PHDA (or ADHD) in women, in addition to the importance of treatment, especially during Pink October, a month that already serves to alert about women's health.

‍

5 Practical Tips for Women Who Have PHDA

1. Creation of Designated Spaces: To deal with home and work responsibilities, create specific areas for each activity. This helps reduce disorganization, something often reported by women with PHDA.
2. Regular Review of Priorities: Women often assume multiple roles (work, home, family). Do a weekly review to reorganize priorities and delegate tasks without focusing everything on yourself.
3. Intentional Self-Care: It is common for women with PHDA to neglect self-care. Set aside intentional time for activities that recharge your mental and emotional energy.
4. Social Anxiety Management: The pressure to “keep everything under control” is often greater in women. Develop techniques of Mindfulness or consult a specialized therapistin PHDA to deal with excessive perfectionism and procrastination
5. Menstrual and Hormonal Planning: Hormonal fluctuation can aggravate the symptoms of PHDA. Use a menstrual calendar to adjust your expectations and planning on days of increased distraction or fatigue.

‍

Symptoms of PHDA in adult women: what to look for?

In women, PHDA can manifest itself in subtle ways that are difficult to identify.

Symptoms of PHDA in women often include:

🚺 Difficulty maintaining attentionin everyday tasks, such as work and household management.

🚺 Disorganization constant, which interferes with productivity.

🚺 Impulsivity, resulting in impulse purchases or interruptions in conversations.

🚺 Frequent forgetfulnessabout commitments or small tasks.

🚺 Emotional overloadand trend towards anxietye a depression, often do not understand the origin of their behavior.

It is important to note that the symptoms of PHDA in women may be more difficult to detect due to social pressure to maintain an organized and “controlled” appearance.

Many women only discover that they have PHDA in adulthood, which delays appropriate treatment.

‍

Why are women less diagnosed?

The symptoms of PHDA in women are often different from those seen in men.

While men with PHDA are often more impulsive and hyperactive, women tend to be more introspective, and deal in silencewith distraction and disorganization. 🤫

Studies indicate that the prevalence of PHDA in women may be underestimated, with many only being diagnosed in adulthood, after years of struggling with problems not recognized in the childhoodand adolescence.

For this reason, a early diagnosiscan make all the difference in the quality of life of these women!

‍

Treatment for PHDA: Improving Quality of Life

The treatment of PHDA in adult women is essentially the same as for other populations, consisting of combination of approaches.

A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or Neurofeedbackand, in some cases, medication, are some of those options.

However, it is important for women with PHDA to be attentive to their reproductive life, since the use of psychostimulants and anxiolytics can bring risks during pregnancy.

If you are planning to become pregnant, it is essential to discuss your options with a doctor to adjust treatment and avoid potential complications.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Neurofeedback, for example, are also recommended practices for pregnant women - and can even help manage pregnancy anxiety!

‍

‍

💡 Want to know more about the treatment options available for adults? Visit our page dedicated to the theme.

‍

Pink October and Mental Health Awareness

Pink October is a month dedicated to raising awareness about women's health, namely about breast cancer.

But how about we take this opportunity to also talk about women's mental health?

Although breast cancer and PHDA are completely different conditions, early diagnosis is crucial in both cases. In cancer, it can save lives; in the case of PHDA, timely intervention can prevent problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships. ✨🧠

‍

And the Men?

Although we are focusing on women, we must not forget that PHDA also affects men.

Helping women understand the symptoms of adult PHDA can enable them to recognize these signs also in the men around them.

Men with PHDA may have more noticeable symptoms, such as:

🚹 Hyperactivity

🚹 Difficulty controlling impulses

🚹 Extreme neglect in specific tasks

Thus, women who recognize the symptoms of PHDA in themselves can be an essential force in identifying the signs in children, peers and friends too!

‍

Final Considerations

A PHDA in adult womenis often underdiagnosed, leading to years of frustration and unnecessary difficulties.

In this Pink October, how about focusing not only on physical health, but also on mental health?

If you recognize any of these symptoms in your daily life, or in someone close to you,seek specialized support.

Mind systemic approachand an early diagnosis can transform lives! 💪

‍

References

Hinshaw SP, Nguyen PT, O'Grady SM, Rosenthal EA. Annual Research Review: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in girls and women: underrepresentation, longitudinal processes, and key directions. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2022; 63 (4) :484-496. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.13480.

Song P, Zha M, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Li X, Rudan I. The prevalence of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A global systematic review and meta-analysis. J Globe Health. 2021; 11:04009. Published 2021 Feb 11. doi: 10.7189/jogh.11.04009.

Writer, A. B., Yazici, E., Aydin, N., & Tanriverdi, A. (2015). Psychiatrists' Attitudes Toward Psychopharmacologic Treatments During Pregnancy and Lactation Periods: A Survey Study. Clinics Psychopharmacology Bulletin-Bulletin of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 25 (2), 100—108. doi: 10.5455/bcp.20131219042055