ADHD and Women

By Molly Stackhouse

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to the differences in how it presents compared to men. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit more internal symptoms, such as excessive worry, anxiety, and low self-esteem. They may also struggle with organization, time management, and maintaining relationships.

Additionally, women with ADHD tend to develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, such as perfectionism, overachieving, and people-pleasing. While these coping mechanisms may help women succeed in academic or professional settings, they can also lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Fortunately, therapy can be a powerful tool for women with ADHD. Here are some ways therapy can help:

Identifying ADHD Symptoms: A therapist can help women identify their ADHD symptoms and develop a better understanding of how it affects their daily lives. This can help women become more aware of their behaviors and thought patterns and help them develop strategies for managing symptoms.
Coping Skills: Therapy can help women develop coping skills to manage ADHD symptoms, such as organization, time management, and prioritization. This may include developing routines, setting goals, and breaking tasks into smaller steps.
Self-Esteem: Women with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem, and therapy can help improve their self-worth. By focusing on strengths and accomplishments, women can learn to recognize their own value and build confidence.

Therapy can be a valuable tool for women with ADHD to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. If you have ADHD or suspect that you or a loved one may have ADHD, consider seeking contacting Southern Maryland Mental Health for support. Sign up for a free 15-minute consult today!

Molly Stackhouse is a therapist located in Calvert County, Maryland. She owns a private practice located in Southern Maryland where she specializes in working with adolescents adults who experience panic attacks. Additionally, she has a strong understanding of the different types of trauma and the different ways that people respond to trauma. She uses a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and brainspotting. Additionally, she is a nationally certified school psychologist. If you are interested in services, use the link here!

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