The Indistinct Diagnosis

The Indistinct Diagnosis:

The Challenges of Diagnosing ADHD in Individuals Assigned Female at Birth

Mental health diagnoses have yet to be modernized to reflect the modern-day individual. ADHD was first introduced in the early 1900s yet those assigned female at birth are still having a hard time being diagnosed and receiving treatment for this disability.

Junior student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Izze Steinke, tells her recent challenge of being diagnosed with ADHD.

What’s the hold-up?

Izze’s story is unfortunately not unique. Women everywhere, on college campuses, in the workplace, and at home are struggling with ADHD but cannot receive the proper treatment to support their success. Just like how closely related symptoms of PMS and pregnancy are, ADHD shows close similarities to other mental health issues. The symptoms are similar to mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, leading providers to often shift their focus to the treatment of these diagnoses.

According to a study conducted through the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, “The percentage of privately insured reproductive-aged women who filled a prescription for an ADHD medication increased 344% from 2003 (0.9%) to 2015 (4.0%)” (Anderson et. al, 2018). The hope is that science and research continue to improve to give those assigned female at birth a better chance in the classroom, workplace, and life.

“It often felt like tugging on a tangled ball of yarn, just trying to get the thought out but I couldn’t yank it out”

So how do symptoms present?

Symptoms present differently in each gender. Males tend to have more outwardly expression of their symptoms whereas females present inwardly. Below is a chart that examines common symptoms of ADHD. Many of these symptoms double as personality traits. This does not serve as a diagnosis, if you are concerned that you have ADHD or any other mental illness please contact a practitioner.

Females

Withdrawn
Females tend to present as withdrawn and isolated.
Disorganized
Clutter and disorganization are often symptoms used to determine ADHD in females
Anxiety
It is common that females with ADHD to have coexisting diagnoses and anxiety is one of the most common.
Trouble focusing
Having a hard time focusing is a common symptom that is found in most females with ADHD.
Verbal Aggression
Aggression, yelling, and other excessive verbal acts are associated with ADHD in females.
Forgetful
Disorganization and a struggle to focus often exasperate forgetfulness in females.

Males

Impulsivity
Impulsivity is a common symptom of ADHD and in extremes can cause trouble.
Disruptive
Disruption is a common symptom of ADHD, such as interjecting others when talking and disrupting class and meetings as well.
Restless
Little boy is standing on own head on sofa at home while pandemic.
Males with ADHD tend to me more hyperactive and fidgety.
Impatient
Impatience is a common symptom for both males and females with ADHD/.
Physical Aggression
A school boy grabs a school girls arm.
Males with ADHD display more physically aggressive acts.
Talking Excessively
Talking excessively and cutting people off when talking too slowly are symptoms of ADHD.

Where can I get help?

If you or someone you know are interested in receiving mental health services please contact 211, or go to SAMHSA to find treatment options near you.

References

CHADD (2022). How the Gender Gap Leaves Girls and Women Underrated for ADHD.

Kinman, T. (2016). Gender Difference ADHD Symptoms. Healthline.

Anderson KN, Ailes EC, Danielson M, et al. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Medication Prescription Claims Among Privately Insured Women Aged 15–44 Years — United States, 2003–2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:66–70. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6702a3external icon

Schumacher, C. (n.d.) ADHD Symptoms in Women vs Men: Are There Significant Differences? Vista Pines Health.