Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is denoted by impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Although ADHD is perceived to be most commonly diagnosed in boys during childhood, there are many stereotypes that are attached to this disorder that make it difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD. This video highlights common misconceptions of ADHD that leave women largely undiagnosed and the potential implications of these misconceptions.
This video was made by McMaster Demystifying Medicine students Steffi Arkilander, Vivian Bai, and Ava George.
Copyright McMaster University 2020
References:
Angel, T. (2019). Everything You Need to Know About ADHD. Retrieved from deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD,and children can have ADHD.
Biederman J. (2003). Pharmacotherapy for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) decreases the risk for substance abuse: findings from a longitudinal follow-up of youths with and without ADHD. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 64 Suppl 11, 3–8.
Biederman, J., Faraone, S. V., Spencer, T. J., M**k, E., Monuteaux, M. C., & Aleardi, M. (2006). Functional impairments in adults with self-reports of diagnosed ADHD: A controlled study of 1001 adults in the community. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 67(4), 524–540.
Biederman, J., Ball, S. W., Monuteaux, M. C., M**k, E., Spencer, T. J., McCREARY, M., Cote, M., & Faraone, S. V. (2008). New insights into the comorbidity between ADHD and major depression in adolescent and young adult females. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(4), 426–434.
Hallowell, E. (2017). The Downside of Undiagnosed Adult ADHD. Retrieved from who have ADHD but, untreated, leads to other problems.
Heidbreder R. (2015). ADHD symptomatology is best conceptualized as a spectrum: a dimensional versus unitary approach to diagnosis. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, 7(4), 249–269.
Hinshaw, S. P., Owens, E. B., Zalecki, C., Huggins, S. P., Montenegro-Nevado, A. J., Schrodek, E., & Swanson, E. N. (2012). Prospective follow-up of girls with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder into early adulthood: continuing impairment includes elevated risk for suicide attempts and self-injury. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 80(6), 1041–1051.
Holland, K., & Riley, E. (2017). ADHD Numbers: Facts, Statistics, and You. Retrieved from average age of ADHD,ADHD on a daily basis.
Jerome, L., Segal, A., & Habinski, L. (2006). What we know about ADHD and driving risk: a literature review, meta-analysis and critique. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry = Journal de l’Academie canadienne de psychiatrie de l’enfant et de l’adolescent, 15(3), 105–125.
Katzman, M.A., Bilkey, T.S., Chokka, P.R. et al. (2017). Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC Psychiatry 17, 302.
Lavelle, D. (2017). ‘I assumed it was all my fault’: The adults dealing with undiagnosed ADHD. Retrieved from
Oakes, K. (2019). Why is ADHD missed in girls? Retrieved from article/20190530-why-is-adhd-missed-in-girls
Williams, P. (2015). Children Who Don’t Get ADHD Treatment Can Have Problems Into Adulthood. Retrieved from
source
