Many theorize that girls are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms differ greatly from those of boys. Whereas many boys with ADHD cause disruptions in the classroom, girls with ADHD simply stare straight ahead at the teacher but have no idea what she is trying to say. These girls underfunction throughout elementary school, even though they are bright. Many do not receive a diagnosis and simply believe that they are “not good at school.”
Instead, girls with ADHD are labeled as “chatty,” constantly telling animated stories to their friends or might be thought of as “daydreamers.” “Girls with ADHD remain an enigma – often overlooked, misunderstood and hotly debated,” says Ellen Littman, PhD, a psychologist who focuses on gender differences in ADHD and advocates for a reexamination of the disorder.
For women, there are specific issues that coincide with undiagnosed ADHD:
Anxiety and depression. Many women with ADHD do not understand why they cannot just live the way the rest of the world seems to function. This deflated sense of self is often linked to anxiety or depression.
Obesity and eating disorders. Research has correlated women with ADHD and a higher chance of being overweight or having an eating disorder. Since organization is used to plan a healthy diet and make time to exercise, women with undiagnosed ADHD tend to grab quick meals or look to food to provide comfort.
Early intervention is the best way to avoid these coinciding problems for girls with ADHD. Therefore, getting a diagnosis is key. And, it’s never too late to help children with ADHD, as simply understand what the issues are can lead to a richer and calmer life.
