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ADHD looks different in women and poses unique health risks
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- ADHD in girls and women has been historically underdiagnosed due to differing symptoms from boys, often leading to late diagnoses in adulthood and misdiagnoses such as anxiety or depression.
- Undiagnosed and untreated ADHD in women can lead to serious health and social consequences, including higher risks of abuse, teen pregnancy, self-harm, obesity, eating disorders, and earlier mortality compared to peers without ADHD.
- Many women mask ADHD symptoms for years until life stressors or hormonal changes, such as perimenopause, exacerbate symptoms and prompt diagnosis, highlighting the importance of recognizing gender-specific ADHD manifestations.
- Effective treatment for women with ADHD often includes medication, hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause, cognitive behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and finding supportive environments tailored to individual strengths.
- Receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life can lead to significant improvements in self-esteem, mental health, and life management, inspiring some women to become advocates and support others facing similar challenges.
