Understanding the Unique Challenges of ADHD in Women.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often seen as a childhood disorder, commonly associated with hyperactive boys. However, this perception fails to capture the complexities of ADHD in girls and women. This blog post aims to unmask ADHD by exploring its prevalence among females, the often-overlooked concept of masking, and strategies to recognise and address ADHD in girls and women.

Prevalence of ADHD in Females

ADHD affects millions of people worldwide, but it is often under-diagnosed in females. Recent studies indicate that girls with ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed compared to boys. While ADHD is estimated to affect approximately 5% of the global population, the numbers for females may be significantly understated due to differing symptoms and societal expectations.

Many girls with ADHD exhibit symptoms that differ from the typical hyperactive behaviours associated with the disorder. Instead, they may present with inattentiveness, daydreaming, and organisational challenges, often leading to their struggles going unnoticed. As a result, many girls are simply labeled as "lazy" or "not trying hard enough."

Because of these factors, the prevalence rates in females may be skewed. It's crucial to recognise that the symptoms may manifest differently, and as a result, girls with ADHD may go undiagnosed for years, leading to a range of challenges in their academic and social lives.

The Concept of Masking in ADHD

Masking is a term used to describe the conscious or subconscious efforts to suppress ADHD symptoms. Many girls and women with ADHD learn to mask their symptoms from a young age to fit societal expectations. This can include mimicking behaviours of their peers, overcompensating in work, or developing coping strategies that hide their struggles.

This masking can lead to a range of emotional and psychological consequences. While some may succeed in appearing "normal" or "functional," the emotional toll can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a pervasive feeling of inadequacy. Studies have found that masked symptoms are frequently misinterpreted as wilful negligence rather than neurological differences, creating a cycle of misunderstanding and misdiagnosis.

Women often feel the need to mask their ADHD due to social pressures. As caretakers in many family dynamics, they may feel compelled to be organised and efficient, furthering the need to hide their struggles. Unmasking this behaviour is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment but requires understanding from family, friends, and the educational system.

Recognising ADHD in Girls and Women

Recognising ADHD in females can be challenging, but there are strategies that can assist parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals in this crucial process. Here are some recommendations for both individuals and those who support them:

1. Education and Awareness

Understanding the unique manifestations of ADHD in females is essential. This includes recognising that symptoms may be less overt and more subtle compared to what one might expect from males with ADHD. Increased awareness can encourage more thorough evaluations and validation of the struggles experienced by girls and women.

2. Encourage Open Conversations

Creating a safe space for discussions about mental health can alleviate the stigma around ADHD. Encouraging girls and women to share their experiences without fear of judgment can lead to a clearer understanding of their challenges. Conversations focusing on their difficulties can empower them to seek help and support.

3. Focus on Emotional Symptoms

In many cases, the emotional aspects of ADHD, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and mood swings, become more pronounced in girls and women. Attention should be given to emotional well-being to foster a holistic understanding of how ADHD affects their lives.

4. Use Comprehensive Assessments

Evaluations for ADHD should not rely solely on standardised tests but incorporate a broader understanding of behavioural patterns and family history. This ensures a more nuanced approach to diagnosis, improving identification of ADHD in females who may not exhibit classic symptoms.

5. Leverage Support Systems

Girls and women should be encouraged to tap into their support networks, including friends, family, educators, and mental health professionals. These support systems can provide the encouragement needed to seek diagnosis and treatment, enabling them to live fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

Unmasking ADHD in females is crucial for providing better support and understanding the unique challenges they face. By recognising the prevalence of this condition among women, understanding the concept of masking, and implementing effective recognition strategies, society can create a more inclusive environment.

Encouraging open dialogue and enhancing educational and healthcare systems to be more attuned to the nuances of ADHD in girls and women can lead to timely diagnosis and targeted interventions. Only then can we support females with ADHD in realising their full potential and embracing their unique strengths.

Through compassion and understanding, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that prevent girls and women from thriving in a world that often overlooks their struggles with ADHD.

How I can help

I constantly see women in my therapy room who tell me about the problems they had growing up; making friends, understanding social cues, not knowing how to fit in, and ultimately just feeling different to everyone else. They speak about feeling overwhelmed, anxious, not being able to concentrate or clear their mind, having problems with time, with organisation, maybe with money. It's just an ongoing battle of the brain. The most easiest job can be the most hardest and debilitating for women with ADHD.

They just have never understood why? Questions been left unanswered for them, until maybe they've seen an article like this, or their child has just been diagnosed, or they've watched something that has given them an awakening to their own life troubles.

Having a diagnosis, many women say, just gives them reasons and a deeper understanding of themselves. They've felt alone and different for so long, and maybe the relief comes at hearing there is a reason, or being able to speak with someone else who has suffered the same.

So how do I help?

I listen to women tell their story. I empathise. Many times I help them understand the possible reasons. We may speak about childhood and what was going on. If the woman grew up in a difficult household with arguments, violence, they had to find an escape when they couldn't physically escape. So they escape in their mind - daydream, make up stories, be creative; ultimately lose themselves in another, calmer world.

I help women build confidence, self-esteem and talk about the impact of ADHD on their lives. It's all about acceptance. I also help with the practical side, this is where I become a bit of their pre-frontal cortext, I help them with organisation, discussing ways to manage everyday tasks and aiding motivation.

If you are a woman suffering and you don't know where to turn, maybe start by turning inwards. This is what we start with first in counselling.

Here's my email for more information if you are interested. I can give you a quick 10 minute call before booking.

n.k.therapies17@gmail.com