Imagine that a man and a woman are both standing at the starting line of a race. Unbeknownst to either of them, strings were pinned into the back of their shirts. The further each of them progressed down the track, the more the tension on the string would increase, holding them back. There is one key detail missing in the story: The color of the boy’s string is fluorescent highlighter yellow, while the string holding the girl back is clear, and invisible to the eye. The string is ADHD and the visibility (or lack there of) of the string represents the gender gap that females are currently experiencing in the diagnosis and treatment they are receiving (in comparison to boys and men in similar circumstances).
The ADHD Gender Gap
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects both genders equally. Unfortunately, diagnoses are far from reflecting that ratio. The reason for this discrepancy is that ADHD tends to manifest itself differently in females than it does in males. Boys are (stereotypically) known to embody (the more visible) traits of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Whereas females may more frequently display symptoms such as inattentiveness, forgetfulness, and disorganization. Females may be described by teachers or parents as “lost in their own thoughts” or labeled as “a dreamer”, which tend to be more indicative of the primarily inattentive presentation of ADHD. As one of the therapists who diagnosed her recently said to one of the “leading ladies“: “I’m sorry that you were overlooked for so long.“ Hormones also play a role in making diagnosis for women so hard to spot, as monthly variances in hormonal levels can have impacts on the way ADHD shows up for them as well.
As a result of this disconnect, men are an astonishingly TEN times more likely to receive an ADHD diagnosis than women. 🤯 Changes to the outdated diagnostic criteria are long-overdue. Studies have shown that there is greater emotional turmoil for women diagnosed with ADHD than their male counterparts, and the undue societal pressure to “have it all together” only makes matters worse. Women may feel severely overwhelmed and out of control.
The Effects of Undiagnosed ADHD in Women
Women are silently suffering with undiagnosed ADHD. The results of not getting diagnosed are far-reaching, and cause collateral damage in all aspects of life for girls and women of all ages: school, work, home, and self worth. Women may experience lots of masking, feeling badly and may be confused why they can’t perform better despite their best efforts. Inattentive symptoms are easier to overlook, and may not be apparent until later in life when juggling the many balls of motherhood, household responsibilities and work take a major toll on mental health and wellbeing.
Fortunately, strides are being made to change this, albeit slowly. Between 2003 and 2015 alone, ADHD prescriptions filled by women increased by an incredible 344%.
Support for Women With ADHD
It’s time for women to have the support that they deserve. It is not your fault. Your brain is just wired differently. You didn’t know. Your parents and teachers didn’t know. It can be frustrating to look back at the times that were so challenging and realize that there were fingerprints of ADHD all along. ADHD does not define you. It is a part of who you are. You are More Than ADHD™️.
I have listened to my clients and digital community members go through these struggles. You’re not alone. Not anymore. In honor of women with ADHD, Ryan Mayer Coaching started a first of its kind initiative- The Leading Ladies ADHD Group Coaching.
ADHD Group Coaching for Women
There is a certain magic in group coaching that brings breakthroughs every single session. We are here to celebrate your achievements, regardless of how big or small they may seem. We provide support in a 100% judgment free zone. We provide the “guard rails” to help you build the structures that work best for your brain, using the Conquer Your ADHD™️ System. The Leading Ladies ADHD Group Coaching sessions were created with you. Register today to test drive a complimentary session and start your journey of ADHD learning, camaraderie and peace.
