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Signs of ADHD (Women, Men, Kids, and Seniors)

 

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When we hear ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), we connect it to kids or men. While it is true that ADHD is commonly associated with kids and men, it is also true that ADHD can happen to ANYONE at any age. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition with common signs and symptoms for everyone, but it varies distinctly for different genders and age groups. It is also one of the reasons that ADHD in women is undiagnosed.

Signs of ADHD resemble typical human behaviour, making it easy for it to go unnoticed. ADHD is a lifelong condition affecting people of all ages, and the symptoms may differ in intensity over time. It is necessary to recognize the signs and symptoms of ADHD at its early stages. The sooner the diagnosis, the more likely the chances of getting the required treatment.

Untreated ADHD can disrupt the life. Learning these signs and symptoms is the first step toward effectively understanding and managing the condition.

Signs vs Symptoms of ADHD

Most of us use ‘signs’ and ‘symptoms’ interchangeably, but they are two distinct terms in mental health. Signs of ADHD are something that another person, such as a doctor or a family member, identifies. On the other hand, symptoms are more of a subjective experience that cannot be identified by anyone but by the person experiencing them.

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Women

ADHD diagnosis has been historically gender bias; most research focuses on children and men, resulting in a lack of research on females. Inattentive symptoms are more common in women, while hyperactivity and impulsiveness are less prevalent. We often overlook inattentive symptoms, which results in women receiving diagnoses later in life.

 

Signs

  • Procrastinating task
  • Getting overwhelmed easily
  • Highly disorganized
  • Zoning out in the middle of a conversation
  • Impulsive buying
  • Constantly misplacing or forgetting things like keys or phone

Symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Eating disorder
  • Low self-esteem
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Chronic sleeping disorder (insomnia)
  • Depression

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Men

Society expects men to be tough and silent, leading to an inability to express emotions. Often, they suppress their frustrations caused by ADHD, which can aggravate their condition even more. Men might not exhibit intense symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsiveness, but it significantly impacts day-to-day function.

 

Signs

  • Difficulty in expressing emotion
  • Inability to control sudden mood change
  • Problem at work due to chronic procrastination
  • Unable to handle criticism
  • Struggling to manage time and responsibilities

Symptoms

  • Chronic sleeping disorder(insomnia)
  • Mood disorder
  • Eating disorder
  • Low self-esteem
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Depression

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Teenagers

With growing academic and social pressure, teenage years are tough for individuals with ADHD. Kids this age are all trying to fit in, but people with ADHD have a hard time doing so. They might appear intrusive and impulsive even if they don’t intend to and are more likely to be bullied and face peer rejection. It may result in substance abuse, alcohol-related problems, and other risky behaviours as a coping mechanism.

 

Signs

  • Engaging in risky behaviour than other kids
  • Restlessness
  • Acting out at school
  • Substance abuse
  • Acting out without thinking

Symptoms

  • Chronic sleeping disorder (insomnia)
  • Mood disorder
  • Eating disorder
  • Low self-esteem
  • Anxiety disorder

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Kids

It’s normal for kids to be restless, distracted, and impulsive during this age, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have ADHD. Even neurotypical children exhibit these kinds of symptoms at some point. We must pay attention when it crosses a certain limit, where all this behaviour becomes abnormal. Through behavioural intervention, we can easily distinguish between a highly active child and a child with ADHD. A highly active kid will respond to these behavioural interventions, while a child with ADHD won’t.

 

Signs

  • Shorter attention span and highly distractable
  • Disruptive classroom behaviour
  • Interrupting other’s activities
  • Rejection by classmates
  • Difficulty sitting still
  • Running or talking excessively
  • Difficulty in finishing schoolwork

Symptoms

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Mood disorder
  • Eating disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Chronic sleeping disorder (insomnia)

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Toddlers

Diagnosis of ADHD is typically around the age of 4. The symptoms are more noticeable during 7 to 8 years of age. It is challenging to differentiate whether it’s normal toddler behaviour or subtle signs of ADHD. However, there are subtle indicators of ADHD in toddlers that we should look out for.

 

Signs

  • Extremely irritable
  • Tantrums are frequent, severe, and uncontrollable
  • Little need for sleep
  • Difficulty waiting for their turn when playing with other kids
  • There is little to no sense of danger
  • Difficulty calming down
  • Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

Symptoms

  • Chronic sleeping disorder
  • Mood disorder
  • Eating disorder
  • Anxiety disorder

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD in Seniors

There is a wrong perception that ADHD only occurs in children and that symptoms dissipate as a child ages. We forget that ADHD is a lifelong condition, and a huge population of elderly may go undiagnosed for ADHD. With declining physical health and cognition, ADHD is even worse at this stage.

 

Signs

  • Getting irritable quickly while waiting in line
  • Difficulty maintaining relationship
  • Forgetting or misplacing items
  • Out-of-control emotions
  • Difficulty in keeping up with conversations

Symptoms

  • Depression
  • Eating disorder
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Insomnia