What is Causing the Increase of ADHD in Women?

ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, and is most diagnosed in early childhood. But lately ADHD has been increasing rapidly among older individuals as well.

Many individuals with ADHD have been diagnosed in early childhood, but recently, there has been an increase of diagnosis in teenagers, and even adults. Many health professionals believe this could be due to new technology and an increase in access to information. But some may argue the rise could be due to factors such as a “Western diet” which includes food coloring and more preservatives.

But could there be something else?

ADHD used to have been known to be diagnosed in males much more often than females. This is because of only people focusing on the more widely known type of ADHD. There are three main typs of ADHD: Impulsive and hyperactive, inattentive and distracted, and the combined type. Individuals diagnosed with impulsivity and hyperactivity are loud, fidgety, and often impatient. Inattentive and distracted individuals are known to be more withdrawn from their peers, zoning out, and struggle with forgetfulness. The combined type has a mix of these symptoms. Impulsivity and hyperactivity is most common among boys, and is caught more easily in early childhood due to the more prominent symptoms, therefore having a higher chance of diagnosis. Although inattentive ADHD was founded in 1798, to this day it still isn’t diagnosed enough. Symptoms for inattentive ADHD are not as prominent, as these individuals are easily mistaken for being “shy”, or “different”. Women are often diagnosed later in life due to the fact that most females have inattentive ADHD. But recently, ADHD diagnoses have been increasing due to new research.

Why could not being diagnosed have negative effects?

Still to this day, women and those with inattentive ADHD are often diagnosed later; and this unfortunately often comes with a price. Many who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life experience anxiety, distance from peers, decrease in self-esteem, and difficulties with mental health; and this is all relates to the symptoms of inattentive ADHD; social anxiety, overthinking, not fitting in, is what continues to progress if not diagnosed. This is why it is important for everyone to help advocate individuals with inattentive ADHD and know the signs. Getting an early diagnosis relieves uncertainty, helps the individual find their identity and decreases the likelihood of mental illnesses.

Thankfully in the 21st century, diagnoses for women have been increasing every year, leading to increasing diagnoses in ADHD overall. ADHD diagnosed in women has doubled from 2020 to 2022; and this is the result of new information and research that is out there today. As neuroscientists and psychologists continue to conduct studies about the brain, the more we will be able to understand the importance of having the knowledge of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Sources

Attoe, D. E., & Climie, E. A. (2023, May). Miss.. diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women. Journal of attention disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10173330/#:~:text=Women%20are%20more%20likely%20to,being%20recognized%20as%20having%20ADHD.

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd

Why the increase in autism (ASD), ADHD and neurodevelopmental disorders?. Australian Autism ADHD Foundation Limited. (2013a). https://www.autism-adhd.org.au/autism_prevalence#:~:text=Recent%20research%20suggests%20that%20these,7%5D%2C%20and%20other%20chemicals.

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