User:Ashauntier/Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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It has been previously thought that ADHD was almost three times more likely in males than females because males make up a majority of diagnosed cases in children. However, researchers suggest that this could be due to bias in the diagnostic criteria of ADHD, given that most research has been done on Caucasian males. Another theory is that females are two times more likely than males to have ADHD-PI (inattentive-type), meaning that their symptoms are less disruptive and therefore under-diagnosed in childhood. [verification needed] ADHD in women is often not diagnosed in childhood because the symptoms often align with young girls' known behaviors: messy, chatty, and ambitious. A 2014 literature review found that females are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood when seeking support for other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, which they hypothesized to be due to how ADHD presents itself in females. Women have different behaviors than men, making it more difficult to recognize; ADHD manifests itself differently in men because their behaviors may be slightly more apparent such as excessive rage or frequent car crashing. While in women, it's more subtle, like unfinished projects or feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious. A scientific paper written by Patricia O. Quinn, MD, and Manisha Madhoo, MD, says that women's symptoms are more internalized, making them harder to observe. A common symptom of ADHD in women is inattentive behavior, which can easily be mistaken as being spacey. The more obvious signs like hyperactivity are more visible and prominent in men.

Women are also more likely to try and deal and cope with their symptoms interpersonally and will generally internalize their behaviors, making it easier to hide. Because of this, parents of young girls will see that their daughter is better at controlling themselves; therefore, they won't look to help or medicate them because they are not conventionally hyperactive. In contrast, most parents of young boys will get their sons medicated because their hyperactive behavior prohibits their ability to focus and concentrate in school.

Women with ADHD are also more likely to have mental health issues. Studies show that young girls with ADHD tested lower on the mental health scale than boys their age. So girls presenting to have anxiety or depression may also have ADHD that's being overlooked to treat the other mental illnesses present. According to a study done by Patricia O. Quinn, MD, 54 percent of women with ADHD, experience major depression, while the percentage of men is at 36. Because of the internalization of their symptoms, women have more struggles with deciphering and properly managing their feelings. Often times, the depression is so severe that many times the ADHD is overlooked, when it could actually be a major part of the problem.

With variables such as age, race, income, and education considered, females with ADHD are still three times more likely to suffer from insomnia, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, severe poverty, and sexual and physical abuse in childhood than females without ADHD.

More conclusive research needs to be done to determine how ADHD may affect the sexes differently.