Women with ADHD Falling through the Cracks

ADHD is not just a problem for kids and males. With centuries of cultural stereotypes about women's supposed lack of intellect, women with ADHD are often overlooked and unacknowledged. 50%-75% of ADHD cases in females are missed.

This diagnosis gap happens partly because it's a condition that was traditionally thought to affect mostly men, but also because women tend to have less obvious or socially disruptive symptoms than men. Males tend to be diagnosed more often and sooner because their symptoms are usually more physical and obvious. Inattentive ADHD, the most common ADHD presentation in females, tends to be mental rather than physical. Since many of these symptoms take place inside the mind, they can be easy for parents, patients and mental health professionals to miss.

ADHD is a challenging condition for women and girls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the diagnosis rate among females is 40% lower than males. The symptoms can be different but the consequences are just as serious. Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, which negatively impacts their mental & physical wellbeing and relationships. The good news? ADHD can be managed with medication and coaching. This book introduces ADHD through the lens of women, offers tips for managing daily life, and includes a list of resources for women in particular.

• What is ADHD
• How to diagnose ADHD
• ADHD management strategies
• Tips for parents of an ADHD child
• Treatment options of ADHD
• How ADHD symptoms differs in women
• Why ADHD Is Underdiagnosed in Women
• Challenges of women with ADHD

If you are a woman with ADHD, you should know that it is a very treatable condition. As overwhelmed as you may feel, know that you can feel better. There is a lot you can do to regain control of your life, instead of having ADHD control you.