ADHD and Women

At least four million adult women have ADHD, and many of them don’t know it. Learn about the warning signs and why the disease is so often overlooked in women.

Written by Dr. Eric Benjamin

Common ADHD Symptoms and How to Spot Them
ADHD is a neurobiological psychiatric disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Some researchers believe that almost four million adult women have ADHD, and many of them do not know it. ADHD in adults looks much as it does in children, except that hyperactivity manifests more typically as restlessness. Still, inattention and impulsivity can have a major effect on functioning at work and in social relationships. People often have difficulty focusing, are easily distracted, have trouble staying still, and frequently are unable to control their impulsive behavior. In the more serious cases, adults suffer from the impulsivity symptoms of ADHD and engage in reckless activities such as dangerous driving or substance abuse.

Overlooking ADHD in Women
For decades, researchers have studied ADHD in males, mostly school-aged boys, which helped define what the disorder looks like and therefore skewing the scale for young girls. For example, a young girl with ADHD who wants to move around instead of staying in her seat in class may channel her energy to be the teacher’s helper, whereas a boy may distract the class by running around the room. Because girls typically express themselves differently from boys, many do not exhibit hyperactive behavior that would be considered as a sign of ADHD, and a teacher, nurse or physician may completely miss the diagnosis in childhood. Therefore, the condition progresses into adulthood. This pattern is common and explains the minimal acknowledgement that the condition exists among girls and ultimately women.

ADHD at Work and at Home
Some women may "show" their ADHD by exhibiting behaviors such as poorly managed finance or an inability to maintain an orderly work environment; but it is more common for women to hide their ADHD resulting in low self-esteem and anxiety. This makes living with ADHD a daily struggle when women internalize a feeling of helplessness or blame themselves for negative situations that are a result of symptoms. Such situations include:

Divorce/Separation: People with ADHD are twice as likely to be divorced or separated.

Unemployment: People with ADHD are three times more likely to be currently unemployed.

Economic Impact: People with ADHD cost the U.S. work force about $75 billion a year in lost productivity.

Trouble with the law: People with ADHD are twice as likely to have been arrested.

Driving issues: People with ADHD are twice as likely to have been involved in three or more car crashes.

How to Talk to Someone about their ADHD Symptoms
Physicians have found that educating individuals about ADHD often helps them make the connection to how the disorder has impacted their lives and exhibited itself as other problems. Therefore, physicians must help patients see the patterns in their lives and how it fits diagnostically to reach the key step: agreement for an evaluation. Additionally, physicians must acknowledge issues of stigma or denial, which in turn makes people to be more apt to seek treatment.

Tips for Getting Organized and Succeeding after Diagnosis with ADHD
Physicians have seen advancements in treatment and agree that the best results in treating ADHD occur when the condition is diagnosed and treated early. A number of psychological and behavioral therapies are available to help manage ADHD, including psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training, support groups and parenting skills training. Stimulant medications including a new ADHD patch and medications such as Adderall XR and Vyvanse are also commonly used to treat ADHD. Women with ADHD should think about ways to take steps towards living with ADHD such as joining a women-specific ADHD support group, finding an ADHD coach, and making minor adjustments to their day-to-day routines to improve overall health.

Resources for Learning More about ADHD
www.ADHDSupport.com
www.CHADD.org