Absent or Hidden? Hyperactivity in Females With ADHD
In the study, participants were divided into two main groups: those diagnosed with ADHD and those without. Using the Quantified Behavioural Test, the study measured ‘provoked’ and ‘basal’ activity levels to objectively assess hyperactivity. The results indicated that while men generally exhibited higher provoked activity, both men and women with ADHD showed significantly elevated basal and provoked activity levels compared to their non-ADHD peers.
What stands out is the finding that women with ADHD displayed a level of hyperactivity that was on par with men. This challenges the prevailing belief that hyperactivity is less common among women. This revelation calls for a shift in how ADHD is diagnosed and managed in women, emphasising the necessity for healthcare professionals to look beyond the stereotypes and recognise the full spectrum of ADHD manifestations.
Dr. Shyamal Mashru, a leading consultant psychiatrist at the ADHD Health Clinic and a specialist in adult ADHD, finds the study’s outcomes align with his clinical observations.
“This study confirms what I’ve observed in thousands of female patients over the years – that hyperactivity is not a gender-specific symptom. Women are just as likely as men to experience these intense levels of hyperactivity, though it may often go unrecognised due to societal expectations or misinterpretation of symptoms.”
Dr. Mashru emphasizes the importance of this study in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and ensuring that women receive appropriate and timely interventions, which can significantly improve their quality of life and mitigate the risk of co-morbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Implications for Women with ADHD
The mischaracterisation of ADHD in women as predominantly inattentive delays diagnosis and complicates their struggles. Many women with ADHD may spend years trying to manage symptoms that are misidentified or misunderstood. The study underscores the need for heightened awareness and better diagnostic frameworks that can capture the true nature of ADHD in women, including aspects like hyperactivity that were previously underappreciated.
This reassessment of ADHD symptoms in women could lead to more effective treatment plans that address both the inattentive and hyperactive components of the disorder. It also highlights the need for public health campaigns to educate both the public and healthcare providers about the diverse manifestations of ADHD across genders.
The findings from the “Absent or Hidden? Hyperactivity in Females With ADHD” study represent a pivotal moment in the understanding of ADHD. They serve as a call to action for ongoing research and education, aiming to dismantle outdated stereotypes and promote a more inclusive and accurate representation of ADHD.
Recognising that hyperactivity in ADHD is not confined to males, we can advance toward a more equitable and effective approach to diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that all individuals with ADHD receive the support they need to thrive. Dr. Mashru and the team at ADHD Health Clinic remain committed to this goal, offering comprehensive assessments, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing support to their patients.
Explore more about ADHD and Women on our website to understand the unique challenges and effective strategies for managing ADHD in female patients.
