Recognizing and Navigating ADHD in Women
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a condition that affects children and adults. Until somewhat recently, the public attitude about ADHD was that it was something that predominately effecting hyperactive boys, and generally it is something you can grow out of. This is not true at all, because it affects girls at high rates, and many women - up to 50% are diagnosed as adults. It is important to recognize that sometimes ADHD affects girls in different ways. Specifically, the “inattentive” aspect of ADHD, is found in females and males that are late-diagnosed.
Understanding ADHD in women is key for getting the right diagnosis and treatment protocol in place. Many of my clients who seek a diagnosis are not seeking medication management for various reasons, but would like to understand themselves and their neurotype better. Diagnosis can be a great tool to use when lobbying for accommodations at work or school, or even an important professional exam. As a neurodivergent affirming therapist in Alabama and Georgia, I want to shed some light on the symptoms and diagnoses process for women with ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD involves patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that mess with everyday life. There are three main types of ADHD: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined ADHD. Despite its prevalence, many women go undiagnosed for various reasons. As a neurodivergent affirming therapist, I understand the unique challenges women face in receiving a diagnosis.
Why ADHD in Women is Often Overlooked:
Historically, ADHD research has focused on males, leading to a gender bias in diagnosis and treatment. Misconceptions like ADHD only affecting hyperactive boys contribute to the underdiagnosis in women. Additionally, hormonal changes throughout a woman's life can affect how ADHD symptoms show up, making them harder to spot.
Common Symptoms of ADHD in Women:
ADHD symptoms in women can be broken down into inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and emotional symptoms.
Inattentive Symptoms:
Disorganization and issues with managing tasks, executive dysfunction
Forgetting daily activities, losing or misplacing things
Struggling to follow through on instructions
Frequently daydreaming and losing focus, leading to time blindness
Hyperfocus
Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms:
Restlessness and difficulty sitting still
Interrupting others and having trouble waiting in line
Acting without thinking and making impulsive decisions
Difficulty finishing tasks
The Impact of ADHD on Daily Life
ADHD can significantly impact women throughout their lifetime in a few key areas:
Work and Career: People with ADHD tend to struggle with meeting deadlines, forgetting or being late to meetings, difficulty organizing tasks, and maintaining consistent performance. This might lead to burnout, layoffs, or switching jobs frequently.
Relationships and Social Interactions: Maintaining friendships and romantic relationships can be difficult due to being easily distracted, general overwhelm, and overstimulation.
Household Responsibilities: Managing a household, including chores and parenting, paying bills, cooking, and cleaning require a lot of executive functioning. This can lead to people feeling like their life is overwhelming and chaotic. ADHD individuals tend to enjoy coming up with elaborate organizational systems but lack true follow-through with implementation.
Overstimulation: Individuals with ADHD often have heightened sensitivity to sensory input, making them more prone to overstimulation. This overstimulation can lead to increased distractibility, anger, impulsivity, and emotional overwhelm.
Mental Health: ADHD often coexists with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and sometimes, autism. This can make symptoms a much more intense at times.
The Diagnostic Process:
ADHD and anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and stress often coexist, or are comorbid, because the symptoms of one condition can exacerbate the other.
For example, the inattention and disorganization associated with ADHD can lead to missed deadlines and forgotten tasks, which can increase stress and anxiety. Similarly, the impulsivity and difficulty regulating emotions that come with ADHD can lead to heightened emotional overwhelm. The constant struggle to manage everyday responsibilities can create a cycle of stress, further complicating the ability to focus and maintain emotional stability. This interconnectedness means that treating one condition can often help alleviate the symptoms of the other.
Overcoming Barriers to Diagnosis
Getting a formal ADHD diagnosis can be a difficult process, since waitlists are long and fees are high for this specialized service. Women often face unique challenges like gender bias, limited healthcare access, high costs, long waitlists, and lengthy diagnostic procedures.
When working with my clients, I take the time to discuss the formal diagnosis process, weighing the pros and cons together. My goal is to ensure everyone feels informed and empowered. I can provide you with tools, resources, and recommendations for providers to support you as you navigate this decision.
What to Do After Diagnosis
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can be a significant step, marking the beginning of your journey toward improved management and a higher quality of life. From this point, a variety of treatment options become available, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. It's essential to build a robust support network composed of family and friends.
Developing effective coping strategies, such as time management techniques and organizational tools, is crucial for daily functioning. Additionally, setting realistic goals and celebrating small achievements can greatly enhance motivation and self-esteem.
Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection. Show up, even if the steps are tiny and imperfect.