Girls and ADHD

ADHD is most commonly diagnosed behavioural disorder of childhood, more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls (by 5:1). However, in adults and especially females, it is still very much misunderstood.

There’s stigma and even discrimination experienced by those with ADHD whether they are diagnosed or not.

Why are we seeing a rise in adult ADHD?

There is certainly an increase in awareness due to social media and famous and regular people alike with ADHD being out and open. Hopefully this amounts to a reduction in overall stigma and a pride in having a spicy brain!

But the increase in ADHD prevalence supports the hypothesis that the pandemic had detrimental effects on social and mental health.

In a self-reported study (not formal clinical diagnosis) there was increased depression, generalised anxiety disorder and ADHD amount young women post pandemic.

Certainly, a loss of structure and daily routine could impact, not to mention the loss of human connection that many females with ADHD crave and need.

Consider for a minute though that maybe there is no rise in prevalence at all! We are now just finally acknowledging and aware that this is something we as women have been silently dealing with. For whatever reason, we are seeing more of it and we need to talk about it!

Girls and ADHD

ADHD in females has unique presentations which can cause late diagnosis and under recognition. There is misunderstanding and stigma when it comes to ADHD in general but for women this can be worsened due to a lack of common symptoms such as hyperactivity in many girls and women.

The impact of hormonal fluctuations and transitions through life stages can also exacerbate negative symptoms such as anxiety, eating disorders and depression and can even lead to discrimination for these women in the workplace due to lack of understanding.

There is a need for early intervention to better recognise the signs in our girls and help them understand and harness their superpowers instead of growing up trying to fit the ‘norm’ and hiding this important way that their brain works.

ADHD has links to trauma, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, depression, unique learning needs, obsessive compulsive disorder, sensory processing differences and oppositional defiance disorder.

Although having ADHD is all about having a unique and neurodivergent brain, which this writer does not believe to be an issue or even condition, it is when we are unwell and experiencing any adverse symptoms that effect our quality of life that we may need support (just like our neurotypical counterparts!)

What to be aware of

In addition to the above, for adult females, there are some specific things to be aware of that may impact on our day to day lives including impulsivity, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, unstable relationships, low self-esteem, poor planning or disorganisation, poor time management and mood swings and the dreaded burn out.

We are also superb at masking or mirroring (also known as camouflaging) who we consider ‘normal’ – which is exhausting! We are denying our natural and authentic self in an attempt to avoid stigma, to fit in socially or to feel more accepted.

Anxiety or depression often blamed

To add to all this, females with ADHD are often diagnosed with other things first such as anxiety or depression, burn out, mum fatigue or ‘baby brain’ and/or adrenal fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome. This adds to the delay in diagnosis and women who've grown up with undiagnosed ADHD are more likely to have an anxiety disorder or depression, than those without ADHD as well as increased risk of detrimental and dangerous behaviours.

Unfortunately, this presents as statistics such as girls with ADHD at 2 x more risk for early pregnancy, use of alcohol and other drugs as forms of self-medication with a 1.5 x average risk for developing dependence and the possibility of increased severity of co-morbidities such as 3 x higher rates of binge eating.

It is also linked to increased risk of reproductive disorders such as dysmenorrhea and PMDD.

Hormones

Major hormonal milestones in a woman’s life can significantly affect the manifestation of their ADHD symptoms. Fluctuation sin hormones impacts the central nervous system and sex hormones participate in mood regulation, behaviour and cognition. For instance, during puberty, hormonal changes may intensify ADHD symptoms and other psychological experiences, including feelings of sadness, rejection-sensitive dysphoria, and social anxiety.

Pregnancy 

Pregnancy often brings about a significant hormonal shift that could potentially exacerbate ADHD symptoms. Evidence suggests that each trimester’s hormonal roller coaster may heighten the symptoms, with some relief potentially during the second trimester when estrogen levels peak. The post-partum period, characterized by a sudden drop in hormone levels, can lead to post-partum depression or anxiety.

Menopause

Lastly, menopause and reduced estrogen levels can lead to worsening procrastination and time management habits, memory problems, feelings of being overwhelmed and greater overall disorganization.

 Addressing possible underlying drivers such as hormonal imbalance, gut barrier dysfunction, restoring gut-brain axis, addressing appetite and stabilising blood sugar levels as well as reducing neuro-inflammation and restoring neurotransmitter balance may assist our females with ADHD of all ages.

We can also look to correct any nutrient deficiencies and address under or over eating with nutritional intervention and dietary support. Lastly, lifestyle tools such as sleep hygiene and exercise can greatly assist in many ways. Understanding and support are key to changing the landscape of female ADHD.

This blog has been written for education purposes and should not be used as individual advice or to replace medical advice.

Melissa Gearing is a Medical Herbalist, Naturopath, Nutritionist, Iridologist, Trainer, Author and Presenter

MHlthSc(D&A), BHlthSc(Comp Med), AdvDip WHM, AdvDip Nat, AdvDip NutMed, Dip Iridology

NOTE: The advice shared via our coaches is general advice and is never a replacement for speaking to a health care professional.