ADHD & Women – Misunderstood & Misdiagnosed

ADHD is a hidden disorder in girls. In childhood, about 5 boys are diagnosed for every 1 girl. This becomes 1:1 in adulthood as women come forward for a diagnosis. Symptoms of ADHD and functional impairments usually become prominent for girls during puberty but are much more obvious later in life, especially during educational and social transitions.

ADHD is now thought to exact a greater toll on women than it does on men, especially since the condition has only until recently been framed as exclusive to men and boys. There is little doubt that a femme perspective is needed in the conversation around ADHD. Women have laboured with restrictive gender roles, alongside fluctuating hormones, self-doubt, self-esteem, and exhaustion. They deserve a better understanding of how ADHD may affect them and the tools or strategies they can use to thrive in day-to-day life.