One of ADDitude’s top articles in 2023 was “How Undiagnosed ADHD Triggers Depression and Anxiety.”

The article, by Dr. Nelson M. Handal, explores the link between ADHD, depression and adults and reveals staggering statistics—18% of adults experiencing ADHD also battle major depressive disorder, and half experience anxiety. Dr. Handal stresses a crucial point: ADHD doesn't exist in isolation; its impact escalates when undiagnosed or untreated.

Undiagnosed or untreated ADHD leaves a trail of emotional turmoil for both children and adults. The symptoms, from impulsivity to poor planning, hinder success in various life domains. The constant battle against challenges leads to feelings of inadequacy and failure. Dr. Handal unpacks the emotional baggage—anger, resentment, and worthlessness—that often accompanies undiagnosed ADHD, setting the stage for depression and anxiety.

I found an interesting article in Stylist last week. How to navigate low self-esteem when you have ADHD – and why it’s so common. Written by Ellen Scott, this article explores the dynamics of self-esteem and ADHD in women.

Are you interested in strategies for managing those negative inner thoughts and feelings? My ebook Self Care in Focus: A Women’s Guide to Thriving With ADHD offers many strategies. Purchase the PDF from our shop or find the Kindle or print versions on Amazon. If you want a personal touch, feel free to reach out and learn more about how ADHD Coaching can support you in your journey to empowerment.

Time Blindness and ADHD

Time blindness is a term often used in the context of ADHD. It refers to a common difficulty that individuals with ADHD experience in accurately perceiving and managing the passage of time.

Embarking on the journey of living with ADHD reveals a tapestry rich with unique experiences far beyond the conventional narratives of hyperactivity and distractibility. Let’s explore a lesser-known dimension of ADHD - the phenomenon of ADHD masking. Coined by psychologist Russell Barkley, this term encapsulates the conscious or unconscious modification of behaviour by individuals with ADHD to appear as if they do not harbour the disorder. Our journey involves unravelling the layers of what ADHD masking entails, scrutinizing its prevalence, dissecting its concerns, distinguishing it from positive strategies, and offering insights for those navigating the labyrinth of ADHD.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in ADHD diagnoses, shedding light on the prevalence of this neurodevelopmental disorder. While skeptics may view this rise as a passing trend, it is essential to recognize the legitimacy of ADHD, especially considering the specific increases in diagnoses among adult women. Let’s investigate nuanced reasons behind the growing recognition of ADHD, particularly in adult women, and why it is not a trend.

An article from the Sleep Foundation discusses the link between ADHD and sleep. Sleep problems are prevalent in 25-50% of individuals with ADHD, with issues ranging from insomnia to secondary sleep conditions. Recognizing the connection between ADHD and sleep is crucial for managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life.

• Individuals with ADHD are more prone to sleep problems, beginning around puberty and continuing into adulthood.

• Sleep problems vary based on ADHD type, with inattentive types having later bedtimes, hyperactive-impulsive types experiencing insomnia, and combined types facing both issues.

• Many ADHD symptoms mirror those of sleep deprivation, leading to potential misdiagnoses. Screening for sleep problems before prescribing ADHD medication is recommended.

SouthWest Londoner focussed on ADHD in a recent article: The rise of ADHD diagnoses: why are so many women falling through the cracks?

The article explores the increasing awareness and diagnosis of ADHD in women, shedding light on the challenges and reasons behind the rise in ADHD diagnoses among females. ADHD, traditionally associated with children, is now recognized as a lifelong condition affecting a significant number of adults. The symptoms of ADHD can vary, and there are different subtypes, with rates of diagnosis being higher in males, particularly for hyperactive ADHD.

ADDitude Magazine has a great article about job interviews when you have ADHD. “How to Ace Your Job Interview: An ADHD Primer”

The article provides tips for individuals with ADHD on succeeding in job interviews. It emphasizes the importance of managing ADHD symptoms, such as overthinking, disorganization, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation, during the interview process.

A recent article in Health, a publication focusing on healthy lifestyles for women, researched the use of noise-cancelling headphones and their benefits for ADHD. For People with ADHD, Headphones Can Make It Easier to Work or Study—Here’s Why

The article discusses how noise-cancelling headphones may benefit individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who struggle to concentrate in distracting environments, such as shared office spaces. ADHD can make external noises more distracting due to lower levels of dopamine, a chemical that aids in attention. The article suggests that noise-cancelling headphones can help individuals with ADHD by blocking out everyday sounds that may cause them to lose focus.

“Experts called for more research focused on ADHD in girls and women in a panel in New York City last Thursday.” (January 18, 2024) Fierce Healthcare

A panel in New York City highlighted the need for more research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women and girls. The National Institutes of Health, funded only one study on ADHD and women in 2023, which experts find unacceptable due to the rising rates of ADHD diagnoses among women. Possible factors contributing to this increase include growing awareness facilitated by social media, such as TikTok, and major events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover a new perspective on ADHD tailored for women. Begin your journey to empowerment and self-discovery today.

Are you grappling with an ADHD diagnosis and curious about its distinct impact on women?

Did you know that understanding the science of ADHD and its impact on your brain will help you navigate your experience with ADHD?

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