I’ve read another interesting article about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This article discussed the different ways men and women deal with the condition. One of the things brought out in the ADDitude magazine article is that women have a greater tendency to doubt or harm themselves than men would. While more men are diagnosed with the condition, women apparently suffer the most from it. What other ways women deal with the condition? The following article outlines a few ways.
Another thing brought out in the article is that women have a tendency to internalize their feelings more. This makes their behavior often misunderstood. A woman’s despairing about unfinished laundry or being late to her child’s recital might be dismissed as anxiety and/or a mood disorder. However, the chronic underlying feelings of inadequacy and shame are difficult to acknowledge and articulate, and more challenging for clinicians to recognize or quantify. This leads them to being diagnosed less than men.
Why do women with ADHD have a negative sense of self? According to the article, they often blame themselves on being too distracted. They allow their lack of motivation, disorganization, or lateness to define them, and anticipate criticism or rejection.
Another interesting point brought out in the article is that they are often perfectionists. They compare themselves harshly to other peers who have greater success than them. Some women stay up most of the night immersed in obsessive preparations. However, relentless self-monitoring is fueled by exhausting anxiety. This means being constantly meticulous in everything you do will lead to exhaustion. By accepting your imperfections, you will be learning to accept you for who you are.
In summary, women really do take on a lot of responsibilities. When you add ADHD into their behavior, this will really cause them to spin out of control. That is why we as women need to pay attention to any changes in our personality and behavior. Once we detect something unusual about them, don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical professional. For more information on the ADDitude article, “Women with ADHD: No More Suffering in Silence,” visit www.additudemag.com.
