In a recent consultation, my psychiatrist paused her writing and said, “I believe you have ADD.” She inquired if I faced challenges with daily tasks that many of my peers seemed to handle effortlessly. Overwhelmed by emotion, I began to cry—fearful of my finances, lacking a checking account, and unable to estimate our mortgage payments accurately. We had the funds; I simply forgot to take care of the bills, leading to utilities being shut off due to overlooked payments. My car was a cluttered mess, with essential items like wipes, diaper bags, and lunches frequently forgotten.
At 34 years old, I received a diagnosis that explained the chaos of my life: inattentive type ADD (ADHD without hyperactivity). It’s important to note I’m not alone in this experience. Data indicates that between 2008 and 2012, there was an 85% increase in ADHD medication usage among women aged 26 to 34. Patricia Quinn, MD, who directs the National Center for Women and Girls with ADHD, states that the typical age for women diagnosed with ADHD, who were not diagnosed as children, tends to be between 36 and 38 years. Before this, many women were mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorders, which often overshadowed the root issue—ADHD.
Historical Context of ADHD Diagnosis in Women
Historically, women have gone undiagnosed due to various factors. The DSM-IV required symptoms to manifest by age seven, and earlier studies predominantly focused on white boys, who typically displayed hyperactive symptoms. However, research has shown that many girls do not exhibit symptoms until later in life. The DSM-V has now adjusted the onset age to 12, allowing more women to meet the diagnostic criteria.
Manifestation of ADHD in Women
As awareness of ADHD in adult women grows, it is becoming clear that the disorder manifests differently than in young boys. While boys may be characterized by loudness, fidgeting, and impulsivity, women often struggle with organization and may appear detached. According to ADDitude Magazine, many women experience a feeling of life spiraling out of control, often avoiding hosting gatherings due to embarrassment over clutter. We frequently feel overwhelmed, and the thought of adding one more task can lead to a complete meltdown.
The original list of symptoms I found on ADDitude resonated deeply with me. I recalled the struggle of writing my wedding thank-you notes. After purchasing beautiful stationery, I spent a frantic evening writing personalized messages, only to never send them, leaving them hidden until our fifth anniversary. This is not the typical behavior associated with hyperactivity; rather, it highlights the inattentive nature of ADHD in women. An essay from Quartz discusses how girls are more likely to exhibit the inattentive variant of ADHD, often masking their symptoms to fit societal expectations. This can lead to careless mistakes, daydreaming, and difficulties in social situations. Alarmingly, research has shown that girls with ADHD are three to four times more likely to attempt suicide and two to three times more likely to self-harm compared to their non-ADHD peers.
The Implications of Untreated ADHD
The implications of untreated ADHD do not end in adolescence. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America notes that around 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from anxiety disorders, alongside a higher likelihood of depression, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions. Michelle Frank, a clinical psychologist and ADHD specialist, commented on the growing number of women diagnosed later in life who have managed their ADHD symptoms independently for years.
Consequently, as understanding increases, so do diagnoses among women. Finding the right medication can be a delicate process, particularly if there are existing anxiety disorders to consider. After my diagnosis, I grappled with feelings of imposter syndrome, doubting my condition. Remnants of childhood experiences, where I was frequently told to “hurry up” or questioned about my common sense, lingered in my mind.
Finding Hope and Help
However, there is hope. If you identify with the symptoms listed by ADDitude Magazine, consider scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider. You don’t have to be the mom who always forgets the essentials anymore. The clutter of daily life—tiny shoes, stuffed animals, and toys—doesn’t need to overwhelm you. You can thrive as the individual you were meant to be, without the added burden of untreated ADHD.
This topic intersects with other essential resources, such as those offered by Progyny, which provides valuable insights into pregnancy and home insemination. For those looking into fertility options, this blog post discusses effective at-home insemination kits. Additionally, this article offers authoritative information on various insemination kits.
Summary
Adult women can indeed have ADHD, and increased awareness is leading to more diagnoses. The symptoms often differ from those seen in boys, leading many women to go undiagnosed for years. If you recognize these challenges in your own life, seeking professional help can lead to better management of symptoms and improved quality of life.
Leave a Reply