ADHD in women

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and is medically categorised as a neurodevelopmental difference that affects both children and adults. From a medical diagnostic perspective, it is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, difficulties with executive function, and impulsiveness. These factors can make it difficult for many ADHDers to focus, follow through with tasks, and manage their behavior in a range of everyday situations.

ADHD can impact a person's daily functioning, including academic performance, work performance, and relationships in a range of ways, both positively and negatively. The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is thought to involve both genetic and environmental factors. You can read more about this here: https://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets/WhatCausesADHD2017.pdf

A formal diagnosis of ADHD can be made by psychiatrists and some clinical psychologists, and is based on a comprehensive evaluation of how the person’s ADHD presents for them and how this may impact their daily functioning. Traditional medical approaches to ADHD can typically involve a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes.

How can ADHD present in females?

ADHD can present differently in females compared to males and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

• Inattention: In females, this may be more subtle and less noticeable, such as daydreaming, boredom or restlessness in work or relationships, or being easily distracted.

• Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: Hyperactivity and impulsivity may be more internalised and less apparent in females than in males such as in excessive talking, racing ever-changing thoughts, difficulty in keeping track of thoughts, anxiety, and insomnia.

• Emotional dysregulation: This is often accompanied by emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

• Executive function issues: Trouble prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and following through on commitments.

• Co-occurring conditions: Females are more likely to have co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

• Burnout: Due to the internalising nature of ADHD in women, many women struggle with perfectionism and high expectations of self which can result in significant periods of burnout and affect daily function, mood and relationships.

• Undiagnosed: As ADHD in females can be more subtle and may present differently, they are often underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed, leading to a delay in receiving appropriate support.

ADHD can have a significant impact on your daily life and relationships. It can make life really hard at work, in your studies, and in personal relationships.

You might be struggling to find effective coping strategies that work in the long term, and it may be really hard to navigate workplace expectations and maintain relationships. You might often feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and like you just can’t seem to keep all those plates spinning in the air no matter how hard you try.

What are the valuable traits often seen in ADHD?

• Hyperfocus: the ability to effectively channel attention and energy into tasks

• Resilience: remarkable ability to push past setbacks, adapt to new strategies, and troubleshoot solutions to complex problems.

• A people person: bright, empathetic, passionate and funny.

• Unique & creative thinkers: intelligent, problem solvers, big picture thinking, and outside-the-box creativity

• Compassionate & strong sense of fairness: strong moral compass, high levels of ‘justice sensitivity’ and empathy.

• Courageous & spontaneous: adventurous, and willing to take risks and try new things.

• Constant surprises & high energy: interesting & fun conversations and activities, and contagious zest for life.

• Persistent: perseverance and dedication to problem-solving.

• Perceptive & intuitive: masking requires great intuition and observation of others’ body language.

Nonetheless, ADHD affects each individual differently, regardless of gender, and supports should be individualised and tailored to each unique person.

ADHD & the menstrual cycle

Studies suggest that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and onset of peri-menopause can affect women’s experiences of ADHD, particularly due to the close relationship between estrogen and dopamine. You may experience changes in attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and mood during fluctuations in your menstrual cycle and may find your ADHD medication less effective during the 7-10 days prior to your period (luteal phase).

Many women also experience an increase in ADHD at the onset of peri-menopause, even when taking ADHD medication. There is significant anecdotal evidence that suggests that many women only become aware of having ADHD due to an increase in ADHD-related challenges in peri-menopause due to the impacts of hormonal fluctuations.

How can therapy help you with ADHD?

Therapy can be an effective way to manage issues that can arise for ADHD women and to improve your quality of life. You will notice we don’t talk about “treatment” for ADHD here as we strongly believe in a neuro-affirming approach to supports. You can find out more about this here: https://pathswithpurpose.com.au/neuro-affirming

I can work with you to:

• identify and address your specific unique challenges and help you to develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

• learn how to manage ADHD-related difficulties and harness your traits and strengths that are beneficial.

• develop emotional regulation skills to manage fluctuating moods or frustration and anger.

• address the causes and systems in your life that are creating burnout, and help you to create healthy boundaries that sustain your wellbeing.

• develop improved communication skills, which can help you to build stronger relationships and improve your overall sense of well-being.

• work through the trauma associated with the neuro-normative expectations often placed on neurodivergent people living in a neurotypical world

• learn about the ways in which you may be masking and build safety, trust and confidence to live your life openly as your amazing true self!

It is not uncommon for ADHD women to feel ashamed, guilty, and like life is an uphill battle. You do not have to struggle in silence, and I am here to help you.

It takes courage to reach out for support, but it is a crucial step in improving your quality of life.

I will provide you with support and tools to work through obstacles that may arise, and I will be here to celebrate your successes along the way!