The Surprising Truth About ADHD & Women
We all know one. The woman who can't seem to keep her desk clean, is always late, and somehow manages to scatter her belongings across the room in 5 seconds flat.
You may even be that woman yourself. And if you are, you're not alone: according to the World Health
Organization, ADHD affects up to 1 in 20 people worldwide .
But what you may not know is that women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD—and that many of the symptoms we typically associate with this disorder overlap with those typically seen in women.
So what's really going on? This blog post will explore some of the unique challenges faced by women with ADHD, and offer tips for how to manage.
Myth Breaking
One of the most surprising things about ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is that the symptoms can vary so much from person to person.
When most people think of ADHD, they tend to picture a young boy who can't sit still in class. And it's true that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls.
But the reality is that ADHD doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of their gender. In fact, recent studies have shown that the number of girls being diagnosed with ADHD is on the rise.
Why? For girls, the most common symptom is inattentiveness. This can manifest in a number of ways, such as daydreaming, being easily distracted, or having difficulty completing tasks. It could be because girls with ADHD are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which makes them harder to spot. Or it could be that our understanding of the condition is evolving. It can affect anyone, and we need to be doing more
to support all those who live with it.
Breaking the Stigma
Women with ADHD often face unique challenges.
For one thing, they are more likely than men to be diagnosed later in life, which can lead to years of feeling like they are "just not quite getting it done."
Additionally, women with ADHD tend to be more perfectionistic and self-critical, which can compound the feelings of inadequacy that are so common in ADHD. And finally, women with ADHD often struggle with "invisible" symptoms like disorganization and poor time-management skills, which can make it hard for others to understand what they are dealing with.
Another reason why women with ADHD may go undiagnosed is because the symptoms can mimic other disorders such as anxiety or depression. For example, many women with ADHD report feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by daily tasks such as keeping up with work deadlines, managing a household, or taking care of children. These responsibilities can trigger anxiety or depression in anyone, but for women with ADHD, these feelings may also be caused by problems with focus and time management.
As a result, women with ADHD may seek treatment for anxiety or depression when what they really need is help managing their symptoms of ADHD.
However, it is important to remember that every person with ADHD is different, and that there is no "right" way to have ADHD. Each person experiences the disorder in their own unique way, and each person deserves the chance to find their own way of managing it.
Breaking Free
While the exact cause of ADHD is unknown, researchers believe that it's linked to genetic and environmental factors. Women with ADHD are also more likely to have other conditions like anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. In fact, one study found that women with ADHD are twice as likely to develop an eating disorder as women without the condition.
It's estimated that nearly 10% of American adults have ADHD, yet many people are reluctant to seek treatment for fear of being labeled or treated differently.
However, it's important to remember that ADHD is a real medical condition that can be effectively treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both. If you think you might have ADHD, the first step is to visit your doctor for an evaluation. He or she will ask about your symptoms and medical
history and may also order a psychological evaluation or brain scan.
Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include medication, counseling, lifestyle changes, or educational accommodations. With the right help, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
Don't let ADHD hold you back - get the help you need today.
HER Story
We need more women to rise up and share their stories. Here is one from a friend. Maybe this is
your story, too.
“When I was first diagnosed with ADHD, I felt relieved. Finally, there was a name for why I had
always struggled with organization and time management. But I also felt embarrassed and
ashamed, like I had somehow failed to live up to society's expectations of what it means to be a
successful woman. Over time, I've realized that my experience is not unique. In fact, research
shows that ADHD is under-diagnosed in women, in part because it often manifests differently in
women than in men. By sharing my story, I hope to break down some of the myths about ADHD
and women, and help other women who might be struggling with this condition. If we can raise
awareness about ADHD in women, we can help more women get the diagnosis and treatment
they need to thrive.”
Conclusion
So, the next time you hear someone say that ADHD is just a "boys' disease," set them straight
and share the surprising truth about ADHD and women.
And if you're a woman who thinks she might have ADHD, don't be afraid to get help.
It's not something to be ashamed of – it's simply a difference in the way your brain works.
We hope this article has helped clear up some of the misconceptions about ADHD and women.
If you still have questions or want more information, feel free to reach out to us for a consultation.