ADHD in Women
As is often the case in scientific research, the effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have been primarily studied in men and boys; the literature documenting the symptoms and struggles faced by girls--and especially by adult women--is sparse. Women are often diagnosed later in life after their life has been affected in some way by their neurodivergence. The signs of ADHD present quite differently in men than women; while men are more prone to disruptive and risky behavior such as substance abuse and reckless driving, women tend to be more withdrawn and prone to depression and anxiety disorders.
ADHD and similar disorders are most commonly diagnosed in childhood, although the limited definition and diagnostic criteria make it much more difficult for women to be diagnosed in their childhood as is more common in boys. Because of this, ADHD has become associated almost exclusively with boys and men, while women remain mis- and underdiagnosed as a result. In boys, typical behaviors that warrant ADHD screening include hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, disruptive movements, and impulse control problems. As such, these are the behaviors most often attributed to ADHD, limiting the scope of those who are diagnosed. Many women do not even start to suspect that they are, in fact, neurodivergent until later in life because in women and girls, ADHD presents much differently. The behaviors exhibited by many young girls with ADHD are classed as inattentive rather than hyperactive; frequent daydreaming, minimally disruptive fidgeting, being easily overstimulated, and difficulties regulating emotions are all hallmarks of a girl struggling with ADHD. Unfortunately, the barriers to diagnosis are exaggerated for girls, as societal expectations for their behavior often influence and even hinder proper diagnosis. For example, a girl who experiences disproportionate emotional responses to triggers may simply be branded “sensitive” or “emotional,” as are many girls, rather than taken as a serious symptom of ADHD. Other similar barriers often faced by girls with ADHD are faced by boys as well; children who struggle with lack of motivation and poor time management may be labeled as “lazy.”
These symptoms are often magnified as women get older and experience stress more frequently. Executive dysfunction, which makes it nearly impossible to start or complete tasks as mundane as brushing one’s teeth or washing the dishes, is easily misclassified as simply being procrastination or laziness. Similarly, time blindness, or the inability to budget time, is frequently misconstrued as lack of time management skills, and can cause significant problems in nearly all aspects of life, from professional to social. Due to the fact that many of the hallmark signs of female ADHD can be easily written off as laziness or noncompliance, many of these women struggle with low self-esteem and, as a result, are either misdiagnosed with or actually come to develop depression and anxiety disorders. For many, a proper diagnosis is the first step to improving their quality of life, but the obstacles preventing many women from obtaining a diagnosis make it so that many women with ADHD do not suspect it until much later in life, putting them at a disadvantage to their male counterparts.
The effects of ADHD are pervasive and can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, but with proper support, behavior and organizational strategies, and even medication, it does not have to lower one’s quality of life. Knowing the warning signs and seeking help are the first steps to obtaining a diagnosis, but those struggling with symptoms that mimic those associated with ADHD can also benefit from many of the same behavioral adjustments, emotional regulation techniques, and organizational tips. The internet has made much of this accessible, which can help those in need who are facing difficulties receiving a diagnosis.
References:
https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-in-girls-symptoms-of-adhd-in-girls-20547
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/signs#fidgeting
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/features/adhd-in-women
https://www.healthline.com/health/hidden-struggles-of-a-woman-with-adhd