Women who have ADHD
Women are often missed in ADHD diagnoses because they are so very good at masking their symptoms. I once had a mentor tell me that "Women with ADHD function like men without ADHD" which was a blunt way of saying that women are socialized to blend in, overcompensate, and make it work and so often slip by without notice to the outside world.
On the other hand, the cost is high in their internal experience.
On the other hand, the cost is high in their internal experience.
- They find themselves constantly trying to figure out if they are "normal" or "why" they do the things they do.
- They feel exhausted because of the effort they have to put into things like socializing, or studying, that "seem like" they should be easier.
- They get diagnosed with anxiety or depression instead of ADHD.
- They drink wine in the evenings to compensate for the feelings of being in sensory overload/exhaustion/fatigue.
What it looks like
How hormones affect ADHD
Women in their 40s are especially at risk because of the role of decreasing estrogen and the impact of their symptoms.
Under Construction
Under Construction
Great Resources
1. Fernancdez, Guillen, et al (2003). Menstrual Cycle-Dependent Neural Plasticity in the Adult Human Brain Is Hormone, Task, and Region Specific. The Journal of Neuroscience, 3790, 23 (9).
Therapists
Psychological Testing
Psychiatrists
Nutritionists and Homeopaths
Occupational Therapists and Sensory
Facebook support groups
For Providers:
Although we know and recommend these providers, we can provide no guarantee about the services they provide.