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Women Are Diagnosed With ADHD 5 Years Later Than Men, Even With Worse Symptoms - IFLScience

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Adult women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) receive their diagnosis on average five years later than men do, even when their symptoms arose at the same age and despite the fact that women’s symptoms tend to have a more negative impact on their wellbeing.

New research looked at a sample of 900 adults with ADHD receiving their diagnosis for the first time at a specialist clinic in Barcelona, Spain. On average, the women in the sample had been diagnosed at 28.96 years of age; for the men, the average age at diagnosis was 24.13 years.

While both males and females reported symptoms appearing at roughly the same age, there were other differences between the sexes. Men were around three times more likely to have experienced legal problems (18.1 percent vs. 6.6 percent). The women, despite being diagnosed so much later, generally exhibited more severe symptoms of ADHD and were found to be more impacted by anxiety and depression.

The authors believe that women’s ADHD going unrecognized for longer leads to their worse outcomes in terms of wellbeing and quality of life.

“Our findings suggest that we may be missing the early signs in girls and women, especially when their symptoms are less disruptive but still impactful. This has clear implications for earlier screening and sex-sensitive diagnostic tools,” said lead researcher Dr Silvia Amoretti in a statement.  

“We didn’t set out to compare the age of diagnosis in males and females, we were aiming to understand the general age when symptoms appear, regardless of sex. This finding was not part of our initial hypotheses but became evident during the analysis but became evident during the analysis, and the scale of the difference in diagnosis between the sexes was a surprise.”

The study adds to other literature suggesting that men with ADHD have higher rates of substance use disorders and disruptive behavior disorders. The authors say that a better understanding of how these and other comorbidities affect men and women differently can help inform better screening and treatment programs.

ADHD in boys and young men tends to manifest as hyperactive or impulsive behavior, Amoretti explained, meaning that it may be picked up at an earlier age. By contrast, girls and young women may be written off as “inattentive”. “This becomes clinically important, as it means that women are just not treated early enough, and often are just not diagnosed at all,” Amoretti added.

It’s not totally clear why ADHD looks so different in males and females. One possibility the authors raise is that hormonal fluctuations in women can impact things like emotional regulation and executive dysfunction, which could compound to worsen the day-to-day impact of ADHD.

Awareness of ADHD in adults has increased exponentially in recent years; it’s a big topic of conversation across social media platforms, and a number of celebrities have shared their own diagnoses publicly. Diagnosis rates are also increasing, but this study adds to concerns about a continuing sex-based disparity.

“The nature of the condition leads to poorer diagnosis in women everywhere,” said Amoretti, “meaning that women can lose on average five years of treatment, five years of a better life.”

The research was presented at the 38th ECNP Congress in Amsterdam and is published in European Psychiatry.

Overview

Women with ADHD symptoms in the UK often face a significant delay in diagnosis compared to men, averaging five years longer despite exhibiting more severe symptoms. This article explores the implications of these findings, focusing on the importance of timely ADHD diagnosis and the need for tailored ADHD treatment options. Understanding the differences in how ADHD presents in adults can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected.

The compelling finding from recent research shows that women tend to suffer more from anxiety and depression due to later diagnoses. This underlines the urgent need for better awareness and screening processes in the UK, especially for women experiencing less overt symptoms of ADHD. By addressing these disparities, we can foster a more supportive environment for adults living with ADHD.

Key Details

A recent study involving 900 adults diagnosed with ADHD revealed that women were diagnosed at an average age of 28.96, compared to 24.13 for men. Despite the similar onset of symptoms, men are more likely to experience legal issues (18.1% vs. 6.6%). This disparity in diagnosis leads to worse outcomes for women, who often exhibit more severe symptoms and a higher incidence of comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Dr. Silvia Amoretti, the lead researcher, highlighted the importance of recognising early signs in women, particularly when symptoms do not manifest as disruptive behaviour. The study emphasises the need for sex-sensitive diagnostic tools, suggesting that healthcare practitioners in the UK should adopt more comprehensive screening measures. With ADHD often presenting differently in women—primarily as inattentiveness rather than hyperactivity—early identification becomes crucial for effective ADHD management strategies.

Furthermore, the research indicates that hormonal fluctuations in women may exacerbate ADHD symptoms, affecting emotional regulation and executive function. As awareness around adult ADHD has increased, the conversation on social media and support networks has also grown, yet the gender gap in diagnosis persists. This highlights the need for more targeted adult ADHD support in the UK to ensure that both men and women receive the appropriate care.

Overall, the study provides significant insight into the differences between male and female presentations of ADHD, reinforcing the need for tailored treatment approaches that take these factors into account. Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by women can lead to improved support and treatment options.

Practical Takeaways

  • Discuss your symptoms with a GP to explore the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis.
  • Consider seeking a second opinion if you feel your symptoms are not being taken seriously.
  • Track your symptoms over time to identify patterns and triggers that may assist in a diagnosis.
  • Explore local support groups for adults with ADHD; connecting with others can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
  • Investigate ADHD-friendly workplace strategies to enhance productivity and manage symptoms effectively.
  • Look into both medication and non-medication ADHD treatment options to find what works best for you.
  • Stay informed about the latest research on ADHD, including gender differences, through reliable sources like ADHD studies.

Bottom Line

The most critical takeaway from this article is that women are often diagnosed with ADHD five years later than men, which can lead to poorer life outcomes. This information is particularly relevant for UK adults navigating the complexities of ADHD, especially those who suspect they might have the condition. Understanding the adult ADHD diagnosis process can empower individuals to seek help sooner and improve their overall quality of life. However, it's essential to remain aware that each individual's experience with ADHD is unique, and treatment should be personalised.

📰 Source: Read the full article

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