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Yes, Adult Women Can Have ADHD
My psychiatrist set her pen down and looked at me. “I believe you have ADD,” she said. “Do you struggle with daily tasks that most of your peers handle effortlessly?” At that moment, I was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down my face as I admitted my fear of managing finances—I didn’t even have a checking account. I was lost when it came to estimating our mortgage payment, and the water service was frequently cut off due to overlooked bills. We had the funds; I simply forgot to pay them. When I opened my car doors, trash would tumble out. I was perpetually misplacing items—wipes, diaper bags, lunch boxes.
At 34 years old, I received the diagnosis that had shadowed my life: inattentive ADD (ADHD without hyperactivity). And I’m not alone in this. Reports indicate that between 2008 and 2012, the usage of ADHD medications among women aged 26 to 34 surged by 85%. Patricia Quinn, MD, the director of the National Center for Women and Girls with ADHD, notes that the average age for women diagnosed with ADHD—who were not identified as children—ranges from 36 to 38. Before this, many were misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders. While these may be secondary issues, treating them does not address the underlying cause: ADHD.
Historical Context and Misdiagnosis
Historically, many women went undiagnosed due to factors like the DSM-IV’s requirement that symptoms manifest before age 7. Most studies focused on young white boys, emphasizing hyperactivity and neglecting the fact that many girls don’t show symptoms until later in life. The DSM-V has since raised the age to 12, allowing more women to meet the criteria for diagnosis.
As society becomes more aware of how ADHD presents, especially in adult women, the understanding of the disorder continues to evolve. It looks quite different in females compared to the typical loud and fidgety young boys. Women often struggle with organization and may appear to be daydreaming. Many of us feel like our lives are spiraling out of control. The thought of having guests over can induce anxiety due to the mess. We often cope by searching for lost items, playing catch-up, or hiding our struggles from others.
Personal Reflections
I found myself nodding along to an article on ADDitude Magazine that detailed common feelings among women with ADHD. I recalled the wedding thank-you notes I had endlessly postponed. I finally bought 75 beautiful cards, filled them out in a fit of enthusiasm, yet they remained unmailed for years, gathering dust until our fifth anniversary.
ADHD manifests differently in girls, which is why many remain undiagnosed. Research indicates that girls tend toward the inattentive type of ADHD, leading to challenges with organization and social interactions. Disturbingly, studies reveal that girls with ADHD are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide and more prone to self-harm compared to their peers without ADHD.
The Impact of ADHD in Adulthood
The risk extends into adulthood; around 50% of adults with ADHD also face anxiety disorders. Many women may experience depression or other psychiatric issues as a result of living with undiagnosed ADHD for so long. Michelle Frank, a clinical psychologist and ADHD expert, emphasizes that we have a lost generation of women who have navigated life without proper support.
As awareness grows, so do the diagnoses among women. Finding the right treatment can be a balancing act, especially when managing coexisting conditions like anxiety. I experienced imposter syndrome for a long time after my diagnosis, questioning whether I truly had ADD or was merely pretending to cover my own shortcomings. Even now, remnants of childhood pressure to “hurry up” or “stop daydreaming” linger in my mind.
Finding Hope and Support
But there is hope. If your experiences align with the symptoms outlined in ADDitude Magazine, consider reaching out to your doctor. You don’t have to be the mom who forgets the wipes or lets trash spill out of your car. The chaos of children’s toys and clutter doesn’t have to overwhelm you. You can achieve the life you envision for yourself—without sacrificing your well-being in the process. For more information on getting started with your journey, you can check this link to contact us.
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Summary
Adult women can indeed have ADHD, often without being diagnosed until later in life. The symptoms manifest differently in women than in young boys, leading to many being misdiagnosed or overlooked. With growing awareness and understanding, more women are beginning to seek help, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives without the chaos that ADHD can bring.