Celebrating International Day of the Girl with ADHD Online
Girls are strong, powerful, extraordinary leaders and change-makers in all aspects of life, and today – International Day of the Girl – we recognize and celebrate girls everywhere.
Women exude empowerment, and sometimes their capabilities and strengths are overlooked and even undermined. Unfortunately, that includes misdiagnosing, or missing the diagnosis, of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women and girls around the world. So much so, that 50 to 75% of ADHD cases are missed in girls and women.
In fact, men will be diagnosed and treated for ADHD three times more than women.
“By the time a girl reaches adulthood with ADHD that has never been diagnosed and treated, she now likely has an additional disorder, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or depression, that can complicate misdiagnosed ADHD,” said Dr. Gayle Jensen-Savoie, Division Chief Psychology at ADHD Online. “It may even result in behavioral issues later in life, like substance abuse, eating disorders or anger.”
It’s time we do better to combat the disparity of diagnosing ADHD in women and men.
“It’s vital that the medical community is aware of its biases toward women with ADHD. With early treatment and care, women can have a better chance at managing their symptoms, treating a comorbidity, and experiencing success in balancing the highs, lows and curveballs of life,” said Dr. Gayle Jensen-Savoie.
Moreover, missing ADHD in young girls and women may result in common stereotypes, which can be harmful. Labeling a young girl who is disorganized and messy as a “Chatty Cathy,” or a shy, quiet girl who daydreams as someone with their head stuck in the clouds, misses the root cause of girls who are overly energetic or not present.
Assuming these ideas and labeling a girl or woman with a cliché can be damaging if they are having symptoms of ADHD. Daily things that we all may encounter, like daydreaming, is different, and more challenging for someone with ADHD, as they may not have the ability to get back on track with their daily routine like everyone else may be able to if left untreated.
“ADHD affects everyone differently. While it’s important to understand the effects of ADHD in people and how it differentiates, the first step is diagnosing, and that must be done equally for women and men,” said. Dr. Gayle Jensen-Savoie.
At ADHD Online, we stand with girls and women – on International Day of the Girl and every day – to conquer the hardships of ADHD diagnoses. We are here to help diagnose and treat ADHD in all genders to find the best treatment plan and option. Start your assessment with us today.
