546- Living with ADHD: It’s Different for Women – an Expert Roundtable
Mar 11, 2025
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A powerhouse panel of experts discuss the distinct challenges women face with ADHD. Ellen Littman sheds light on the historical biases in diagnosis, while Andrea Chronis-Tuscano emphasizes the need for tailored treatment approaches. Lotta Borg Skoglund explores hormonal influences on symptoms across a woman's life. Diane Miller addresses the unique obstacles Black women encounter, and Maggie Sibley advocates for greater awareness of women's mental health needs. Together, they highlight the importance of community support and ongoing research.
ADHD is often misdiagnosed in women due to societal expectations, leading to symptoms being mistaken for anxiety or depression.
Hormonal changes throughout a woman's life significantly affect ADHD symptoms, necessitating tailored management strategies for effective treatment.
Late diagnoses in women often result in feelings of isolation and inadequacy, highlighting the need for greater awareness and timely support.
Deep dives
The Unique Challenges Faced by Women with ADHD
ADHD is often perceived as a disorder predominantly affecting males, leading to significant misdiagnosis and insufficient treatment for women. Women tend to experience ADHD differently, often internalizing their struggles due to societal expectations of behavior. This internalization results in symptoms that may appear as anxiety or depression to clinicians, overshadowing the ADHD diagnosis. The consequence is that women frequently go undiagnosed, with serious implications for their self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life.
The Role of Hormones in ADHD Symptoms
Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman’s life can significantly impact the intensity of ADHD symptoms. Studies indicate that women may experience more control over ADHD symptoms during certain phases of their menstrual cycle, specifically when estrogen levels peak. Conversely, during luteal phases, symptoms may exacerbate, potentially leading to worsened emotional regulation and effectiveness of ADHD medication. Understanding these hormonal influences is crucial for appropriate treatment and management plans tailored to women's unique experiences.
The Impact of Late Diagnosis
Women often receive ADHD diagnoses much later than men, frequently in midlife, which brings its own set of challenges. The late diagnosis can leave women feeling isolated and questioning their self-worth, worsening anxiety and depression. Untreated ADHD during formative years can result in cumulative negative experiences, exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. There is a pressing need for societal recognition of ADHD's varied presentations in women to facilitate timely diagnoses and support.
The Importance of Community and Support
Creating spaces for women to share their experiences with ADHD can foster a sense of community and understanding. Many women find strength in connecting with others who have similar struggles, leading to feelings of validation and support. Online platforms and local groups provide avenues for sharing insights and coping strategies, addressing the isolation that many women face. Community support becomes particularly vital in navigating the complexities of ADHD and the societal pressures uniquely impacting women.
Advocacy and Future Research Needs
Addressing the gaps in ADHD research for women is essential for developing effective treatment guidelines. Women with ADHD are encouraged to advocate for themselves by actively participating in research and bringing their experiences to the forefront. Engaging in initiatives that focus on women's ADHD can help reshape diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches that are more representative of their needs. This advocacy is crucial not only for personal empowerment but also for broader systemic change within the healthcare system.
Five experts — Lotta Borg Skoglund, M.D., Ph.D.; Ellen Littman, Ph.D.; Andrea Chronis-Tuscano, Ph.D.; Diane Miller, Psy.D., M.Ed.; and Maggie Sibley, Ph.D. — discuss ADHD in women, including different symptom presentation, stigma, barriers to treatment, the impact of hormones, and much more.
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/additude and get on your way to being your best self.
Thank you for listening to ADDitude's ADHD Experts podcast. Please consider subscribing to the magazine (additu.de/subscribe) to support our mission of providing ADHD education and support.
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