How does ADHD affect executive function in women?

ADHD can significantly impact executive function, particularly in women. Dr. Mary Claire Haver highlights that during perimenopause, women may experience a loss of executive functioning, which could mimic ADHD symptoms. This includes cognitive decline, often referred to as "brain fog," and can severely affect their ability to remember words, perform calculations, or manage tasks effectively at work. As a result, many women might find it challenging to fulfill their roles confidently, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep patterns, creating a negative feedback loop that exacerbates these problems 1.

In general, those with ADHD, including women, often struggle with working memory, the ability to retain short-term information. This makes everyday tasks more challenging, particularly when the tasks are mundane or uninteresting. This deficit in working memory is analogous to executive dysfunction seen in various cognitive impairments 2.