Lately there seems to be more and more information circulating the internet with regard to women and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I have even noticed in my practice that women are now seeking assessments for ADHD after seeing a variety of social media platforms (e.g., TikTok; Instagram) post about this topic. While there are certainly issues with obtaining mental health information from these platforms, it has also been a helpful way for some women to recognize symptoms that may have been previously overlooked. 

Many books and articles have recently discussed the topic of ADHD in women and girls, and one of the recurring themes is that women tend to be diagnosed later in life than men. There are a number of factors that are likely contributing to this phenomenon, but here are a few of the common reasons why women may be diagnosed with ADHD later in life:

• Women tend to compensate or mask their symptoms
  • Women may feel uncomfortable or ashamed of some of their symptoms, such as poor concentration, ineffective time management, or disorganization. As such, many women develop compensatory strategies from a young age in order to hide or “mask” these difficulties. For example, women may stay up late completing their homework, read information over and over to ensure they have understood, or double and triple check their work for errors. 
• Symptoms in women are not as widely recognized or examined
  • Men and boys are diagnosed with ADHD at more than twice the rate of women and girls (CDC; 2021). As such, parents, teachers, and professionals may be less likely recognize the symptoms in girls or refer them for an assessment/diagnosis. 
• Women may be treated for anxiety and depression, but ADHD is missed
  • Professionals may be more likely to recognize anxiety and depression in their female patients, but ADHD is initially overlooked. As such, women may not seek evaluation or treatment for ADHD until later in life, when the demands (e.g., post-secondary education; household work; career; children) overwhelm their ability to cope.
• Fluctuations in womens’ hormones (particularly estrogen) affect ADHD symptoms
  • Women experience monthly fluctuations in estrogen with their cycle, and estrogen tends to decrease in women as they approach menopause. These hormonal fluctuations can make symptoms of ADHD worse. For example, some women may notice that their symptoms seem worse the week before they menstruate. Likewise, women with ADHD may notice that their symptoms start to become more prevalent in their 40’s, as estrogen and dopamine levels naturally begin to decrease. 

There are a number of reasons why ADHD may be overlooked or diagnosed later in life for women and girls; however, this disorder seems to be gaining more attention with the prevalence of information circulating the internet on this topic. Mental health disorders are often multi-faceted and complex, which is why it is so important to seek appropriate evaluation and treatment from qualified professions. Comprehensive assessment can identify strengths and guide treatment and resources. The aim is to capitalize on your positive qualities and support your areas of difficulty. It is never too late to start living your best life with ADHD! 

Resources:

Data and statistics about ADHD. (2021). cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

Nadeau, K.G., Littman, E.B., & Quinn, P.O. (2015). Understanding girls with ADHD: How they feel and why they do what they do (2nd ed.). Advantage Books. 

www.additudemag.com

www.totallyadd.com

Written by Rachelle MacSorley, Registered Psychologist with Wildflowers