Did you know that women are diagnosed 80 percent less often with ADHD than are actually eligible for diagnosis? There are many reasons women go under-diagnosed. The reason, at the top of the list, is because girls are not interrupting in class. Meanwhile, their male peers with ADHD are usually the ones who, externally, display their symptoms.

Why Women Are Underdiagnosed with ADHD

Symptoms Present Differently: Women often exhibit inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactive ones, which are less noticeable and disruptive​. These symptoms usually lead to missed assignments in school or forgetting where the car is parked in the Target parking lot.

Coping Mechanisms: Women may develop sophisticated coping strategies that mask their symptoms, making it harder for healthcare professionals to identify ADHD​. Women are incredible at coming up with ways to juggle many demanding tasks in life, especially while raising kids and climbing the corporate ladder.

Hormonal Influences: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect ADHD symptoms and complicate diagnosis​.

Social Expectations: Societal norms often expect women to be organized and manage multiple roles efficiently, which can lead to internalized stress and undiagnosed ADHD.

Missing the Diagnosis of ADHD

Physicians can miss a diagnosis of ADHD for many reasons. Often, women are more open to discuss their health at their yearly physical or GYN appointments but busy moms are less apt to discuss their managment of life with their physicians. for this reason, here are a few more reasons why physicians miss the ADHD diagnosis.

Comorbidities: Women are more likely to have comorbid conditions like anxiety and depression, which can overshadow ADHD symptoms and lead to misdiagnosis.

Later Onset Recognition: Women often get diagnosed later in life because their symptoms become more apparent under the stress of adult responsibilities​.

Misinterpretation of Symptoms: Symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorganization, and emotional sensitivity are often misattributed to personality traits rather than ADHD​​.

Gender Bias in Research: Historically, ADHD research has focused more on males, leading to a lack of understanding and awareness of how the disorder manifests in females​.

Diagnostic Criteria: The criteria for ADHD diagnosis are based largely on studies of boys, which might not accurately reflect the presentation of ADHD in women.

Healthcare Provider Bias: Healthcare professionals may unconsciously dismiss or overlook ADHD symptoms in women, attributing them to other causes such as stress or hormonal changes​.

Types of Treatment That Women Can Seek to Be Healthier

Behavioral Therapy: Therapy can help women develop strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, improve organizational skills, and address negative thought patterns​.

Medication: Stimulant medications (like Adderall or Ritalin) and non-stimulant medications (like Strattera) can be effective in managing ADHD symptoms. Women should work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage​​.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can significantly impact ADHD symptoms and overall well-being. Incorporating routines and structures into daily life can also be beneficial​​.

Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and stress management techniques can help women manage ADHD symptoms and improve focus and emotional regulation​​.

Developing a Morning Routine: Did you know that many people with ADHD struggle with their morning routines? READ MORE

ADHD Coaching: We offer ADHD coaching in our 12 week program which can provide women with practical advice, emotional support, and strategies tailored to their unique challenges​​.

At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Are you ready to take the first step in your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply Book Now to start your Pursuit toward personal growth and positive change today. Keep reading if you want to learn more about ADHD Therapy.