Attention deficit disorder (ADD), according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is a mood disorder that is common among children. Attention deficit disorder is thought to be caused by abnormal brain chemicals, which affect normal brain function. According to Dr. Kathleen Nadeau, author of the article "Women and AD/HD", attention deficit disorder is mostly diagnosed in men; male patients make up 80 percent of attention deficit disorder patients. However, women can be diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, though they have distinctly different attention deficit disorder symptoms compared to men.
Hypersensitivity
Starting in childhood, women with attention deficit disorder will be hypersensitive. For example, when criticized, the patient will feel more hurt than a woman who does not have attention deficit disorder. This hypersensitivity can also make it difficult for the patient to defend herself. The female patient will react more strongly that her peers to negative news or behaviors.
Group Interaction
Another sign of attention deficit disorder that occurs in women is issues with group interaction. The patient may feel socially isolated and have problems relating to other people. During childhood, this can affect the patient's ability to make friends and communicate with her teachers. Female patients may have problems reaching out to others as a result.
Hyperactive-Impulsive
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms most often occur in male patients. However, some female patients may also display hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of attention deficit disorder. Examples of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms include stubbornness, anger, defiance, hyperactive and hypersocial behavior. Dr. Nadeau notes that these symptoms would be abnormal when compared to normal childhood behavior.
Severe Premenstrual Syndrome
When the female attention deficit disorder patient enters adolescence, severe premenstrual syndrome develops. Symptoms of severe premenstrual syndrome in attention deficit disorder include noticeable mood swings, hyper-irritability and emotional overreaction. According to Dr. Nadeau, these symptoms make adolescence more difficult for female patients, which can further add to difficulties in the patient's group interactions.
Sense of Shame
An attention deficit disorder symptom specifically in women is a sense of shame. This sense of shame is due to the female patient's issues connecting with her teachers and her peers. She may feel different due to her disorder, resulting in embarrassment. This symptom is the most severe during the patient's adolescence, according to Dr. Nadeau.
