A psychologist has shed light on the reasons why Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often goes unnoticed in women and girls. Stephanie Georgiou, a psychologist and author known for providing expert advice on TikTok, outlined three key factors contributing to the delayed diagnosis of ADHD in women.
ADHD, as described by the NHS, is a behavioral disorder characterized by restlessness, concentration issues, and impulsive behavior. Typically, these symptoms emerge in early childhood and become more pronounced once a child begins attending school.
However, there are cases where ADHD remains undiagnosed in childhood, only to be identified later in life. Stephanie discussed in a video the barriers that prevent women from receiving an ADHD diagnosis until their late 30s or early 40s.
In her video, Stephanie pointed out three main reasons for the delayed diagnosis of ADHD in women. Firstly, they are often diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or eating disorders instead. Secondly, many women attribute their symptoms to laziness, creating a persistent narrative that is challenging to overcome. Lastly, the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 heavily focus on brain-based indicators that may align more with hyperactive childhood profiles.
According to Understood, women are less likely to exhibit hyperactivity symptoms associated with ADHD, leading to fewer diagnoses. The type of ADHD presentation is determined by the predominant symptoms considered during diagnosis.
Understood identified three types of ADHD, stating that girls and women typically exhibit the inattentive type, which may not be as conspicuous as hyperactivity and impulsivity. Consequently, inattentive females are more susceptible to being overlooked or misdiagnosed.
In another video, Stephanie highlighted common signs of ADHD in women, noting that they often struggle with low self-esteem and self-doubt due to a lifetime of feeling inadequate. Furthermore, women with ADHD may display physical indicators such as fidgeting, erratic eating habits, and memory lapses that contribute to their challenges in daily life.
Stephanie emphasized that women with ADHD tend to be overly self-critical and downplay their symptoms, attributing them to stress or anxiety. They may experience memory issues, forget appointments, and have difficulty organizing tasks unless everything is meticulously noted down.