ADHD Treatment for Women: Understanding Unique Challenges

ADHD isn't just a "boy's condition." Yet women and girls are significantly underdiagnosed, often going years without understanding why they struggle with focus, organization, and emotional regulation. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we help women throughout Gwinnett County and Metro Atlanta finally get the answers and treatment they deserve.

Why Is ADHD Missed in Women?

Several factors contribute to underdiagnosis in women and girls:

• Different symptom presentation: Women are more likely to have predominantly inattentive ADHD rather than the hyperactive type, which is less obviously disruptive and easier to overlook.
• Masking behaviors: Girls and women are often socialized to hide their struggles, developing coping mechanisms that mask underlying ADHD.
• Misattribution: Symptoms like daydreaming or excessive talking may be dismissed as personality traits rather than recognized as ADHD signs.
• Gender bias: Much of the original ADHD research focused on boys, creating diagnostic criteria that may not capture how ADHD appears in females.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Women

According to the DSM-5, ADHD symptoms fall into three categories:

• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, disorganization, trouble meeting deadlines, distractibility, forgetfulness
• Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking, feeling constantly "on the go"
• Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, trouble waiting your turn, making hasty decisions

Women are more likely to present with predominantly inattentive symptoms, leading to internal struggles that may not be visible to others but significantly impact daily life.

How Hormones Affect ADHD

Research suggests that fluctuating estrogen levels throughout the menstrual cycle can affect ADHD symptoms. Many women report worsening symptoms during:

• The middle of their menstrual cycle when estrogen drops
• The premenstrual period
• Perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels decline

Understanding this hormonal connection can help in developing more effective treatment strategies.

Co-Occurring Conditions

Women with ADHD often have higher rates of co-occurring mental health conditions, including:

• Depression and mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Substance use disorders
• Eating disorders

This is why comprehensive evaluation by a qualified psychiatric provider is essential for accurate diagnosis and complete treatment.

Treatment Options for Women

Medication

Treatment approaches don't differ dramatically by gender, but individual response to medication can vary. Options include:

• Stimulant medications: Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse
• Non-stimulant options: Strattera, Qelbree, Intuniv
• Antidepressants: Sometimes prescribed alongside ADHD medication, especially when depression or anxiety is present

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT helps address unhealthy thought patterns and teaches practical skills including:

• Time management strategies
• Organization techniques
• Coping with distractibility
• Impulse control
• Building self-esteem damaged by years of undiagnosed ADHD

Finding the Right Treatment

There's no "best" ADHD medication for women specifically. Everyone responds to medications differently, and finding the right treatment often involves some trial and adjustment. Dr. Aneel Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C at Next Step Psychiatry work closely with patients to find the most effective approach.

Whether you're a busy professional in Buckhead, a mom in Lawrenceville juggling family demands, or a college student in Atlanta struggling with focus, we're here to help you thrive.

This article is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.