ADHD in Women: Shedding Light on the Silent Struggle

‘You have attention deficit disorder,’ your doctor says to you in the cold, bright white office.

These are words you never expected to hear at this point in your life. You weren’t the hyperactive kid in school who always got in trouble. You’ve had a successful career, too. You’re confused and lost, unsure of what to do next. You know you want to feel better, though.

You are not alone in your struggles. In fact, many women today are suffering silently from attention deficit disorder, commonly known as ADHD, and with increased education and support, you can start to feel better. 

Believe it or not, school-age girls tend to be diagnosed far less often than school-age boys with ADHD, which can contribute to women feeling lost and late to the game when they are diagnosed later in life. 

Let’s explore why girls are diagnosed less often than boys with ADHD, as well as where to go from here for support with your new diagnosis of ADHD, so you can start the journey to feeling better today.

Why are boys diagnosed more often than girls with ADHD?

One major reason that girls are less often diagnosed with ADHD is an existing bias towards what is considered normal behavior in girls. The most common symptoms that girls demonstrate are dismissed as stereotypical girl behavior, such as daydreaming, being talkative, or having a messy desk. 

Additionally, testing for ADHD in prior years was based on presentations in male patients. For these reasons, girls with ADHD may not get diagnosed, and it may take women a longer time to begin to consider getting tested for ADHD, let alone reach a diagnosis.  

Luckily, testing for ADHD and awareness and education about it have advanced greatly, and the gap in diagnosis between men and women is shrinking, but there is still a delay in diagnosing school-age girls. 

Now, let’s take a look at the common symptoms of ADHD in girls and women and how they differ from those that boys and men exhibit. 

What do the signs and symptoms of ADHD in women look like?

Every person’s journey and presentation with ADHD is different, but in general, symptoms of ADHD in women tend to differ from those of ADHD in men. In fact, many of the ADHD symptoms that appear in women are considered more internal, while the symptoms in men are more external. 

Typical symptoms in girls and women with ADHD tend to be more of the inattentive, internal type. They include zoning out during conversation, running late to appointments or classes, a disorganized desk, trouble understanding social cues, interrupting others when talking, and difficulty managing emotions. 

Typical symptoms in boys and men tend to appear more disruptive and external. These include fidgeting, restlessness, running around at inappropriate times, difficulty remaining seated, as well as interrupting others during activities. 

As you can see, the difference in symptoms in boys and girls can contribute to biases and a lack of diagnosis in girls. 

How can you support yourself or a loved one with ADHD?

There are many different options for the treatment and support of someone with ADHD.

Clinical treatment for ADHD can include medications and/or therapy. Typically, primary care providers as well as psychiatrists can prescribe medications for ADHD. While stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse are prescribed for ADHD, there are multiple different options, including medications that are non stimulants.

If you are interested in exploring medication options for the treatment of your ADHD, we recommend reaching out to your primary care provider to start the process.  

Another option to look into is support groups for people with ADHD. Hearing you are not alone from a stranger online is much different than experiencing it with others who also have ADHD. Sharing stories and connecting with others with ADHD can provide validation and comfort to you on your journey. Some resources that can be used to search for support groups include Psychology Today and the Attention Deficit Disorder Association. 

What about nutrition and supplements for ADHD?

While there is no specific diet regimen that is recommended for ADHD, there is evidence that your dietary choices affect your brain function. Therefore, eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods (think of foods that are close to their natural state, with no artificial ingredients) and staying hydrated can be beneficial for ADHD symptoms. Your brain is, in fact, made mostly of water. Focus on drinking enough water and consuming mostly whole foods to help your brain function and, in turn, your ADHD symptoms. 

Certain foods may be beneficial to avoid with ADHD. These include caffeine, saturated fats, and processed foods. Because these foods may contribute to decreased brain function, they may trigger issues with ADHD.

According to UCLA Health, there are a few supplements that may be helpful for brain function and ADHD, including Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and iron. It is best to discuss supplements with your primary care provider to determine what may be recommended and compare it against your current medication and supplements. 

Therapy is an excellent option for the treatment of ADHD.

How does therapy help with ADHD?

A licensed therapist can assist with coping skills, validation, and behavioral techniques that can help make the ADHD journey easier to navigate. The therapeutic space is a supportive, educational, and validating one for someone dealing with a new diagnosis of ADHD. By working with a therapist, you can experience relief in symptoms, improvement in relationships, and an increase in your self-esteem, just to name a few benefits. 

Don’t give up on yourself.

Be patient with yourself while navigating this new, confusing journey. Like any new habit or routine, it takes time for the brain to get used to changes. You may even feel a sense of resistance to adapting to changes. (Our brains are complex and highly intelligent, but their routine is to do what they’re used to, not what is needed for progress.) Give yourself grace and remember, small steps are still steps in the right direction.  

Ready to meet with a therapist for ADHD help?

If you are interested in meeting with a therapist and learning more about support for your ADHD, schedule your free consultation today at Nona Women’s Wellness and Therapy. We look forward to meeting you.

Sources-

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/foods-feed-your-adhd-mind - “Foods that feed your ADHD mind”

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24741-adhd-in-women - “ADHD in Women”

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/adhd-symptoms-boys-vs-girls - “How Are ADHD Symptoms Different in Boys and Girls?”

http://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10173330/ - “Miss. Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of ADHD in Adult Women”

https://chadd.org/for-adults/women-and-girls/ - “Women and Girls”