ADHD Treatment for Women: Unique Challenges and Solutions

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, impulse control, and organization. While ADHD is common, symptoms are frequently overlooked in women due to gender biases and more subtle presentations. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we specialize in diagnosing and treating ADHD in women throughout Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta.

What Causes ADHD in Women?

There isn't a single known cause for ADHD regardless of gender. However, research points to genetics as a major contributing factor, with heritability estimates ranging from 75% to 91%. Other potential risk factors include:

• Exposure to environmental toxins like lead
• Maternal smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy
• Premature birth
• Excessive screen time and blue light exposure

Why ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed in Women

Women and girls are more likely to have predominantly inattentive ADHD rather than hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Unlike hyperactive symptoms, which are more noticeable, inattentive symptoms may go undetected for years. Girls may also be more likely to "mask" their ADHD symptoms to blend in socially, leading to later diagnosis and delayed treatment.

Gender bias also plays a role—symptoms like excessive talking and daydreaming may be dismissed as personality traits rather than signs of ADHD.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Women

ADHD symptoms fall into three categories:

• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, disorganization, trouble meeting deadlines, forgetfulness, avoiding tasks requiring sustained focus
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, trouble sitting still, talking excessively
• Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, trouble waiting your turn, blurting out answers

Co-Occurring Conditions

Women with ADHD have higher rates of comorbidities than men. Common co-occurring conditions include:

• Depression and bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorder
• Personality disorders
• Self-harm and suicidal ideation

How Hormones Affect ADHD Symptoms

Research suggests that fluctuations in estrogen can affect ADHD symptoms. Since estrogen levels rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, symptoms may worsen at different times of the month—particularly during periods of low estrogen.

Perimenopause and menopause, which result in declining estrogen levels, can also lead to worsening ADHD symptoms in adult women.

Treatment Options for ADHD in Women

Medication

Stimulant medications are often the first-line treatment for ADHD. They work by boosting dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain to improve focus and motivation. Common stimulants include:

• Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
• Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

For those who can't take stimulants, non-stimulant options include Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree (viloxazine), Intuniv (guanfacine), and Kapvay (clonidine).

Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is highly effective for ADHD. It helps address unhealthy thought patterns and teaches practical strategies for organization, time management, and emotional regulation.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

If you're a woman who has struggled with focus, organization, or feeling overwhelmed—especially if these challenges have persisted since childhood—you may benefit from an ADHD evaluation. Many women are diagnosed in adulthood after years of struggling without understanding why.

This article is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.