ADHD In Women
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with functioning. At Bluebird Psychology, we see many women who were not diagnosed as children and are now curious whether the symptoms they are experiencing can be explained by ADHD.
ADHD can present differently in each individual. In women, symptoms are often more subtle and may be overlooked or misdiagnosed, especially because women are more likely to internalize their symptoms and develop coping strategies that mask their difficulties.
You Are Not Alone.
Women seek out an ADHD assessment for a variety of reasons, often linked to improving their quality of life and understanding their experiences better.
Some of the reasons women get an ADHD assessment include:
They are in a Post-Secondary program and are struggling with school difficulties, including problems with attention, completing assignments, and organization.
They are experiencing challenges in the workplace such as struggling with productivity, meeting work deadlines, task management and organization, and maintaining focus.
They have noticed difficulties in their relationships due to forgetfulness, inattentiveness, impulsivity, or emotional reactivity.
They have been treated for mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, and find that some of the symptoms they attributed to their diagnosis still persist.
They are mothers who are struggling with parenting responsibilities and feel unable to keep up with the demands of managing a family.
They have discovered that someone in their family has ADHD and have noticed that they experience similar symptoms.
Their existing strategies for managing symptoms have become too overwhelming and or are no longer working the way they once did.
The want to understand their behaviours and life experiences better.
Women often develop coping mechanisms and behaviors that mask their ADHD symptoms, either consciously or unconsciously.
Some women may overcompensate by putting in extra effort to stay organized and meet deadlines. They may strive for perfectionism and manage tasks meticulously to prevent symptoms from becoming apparent to others. At other times, they may avoid situations that highlight their symptoms or rely on family or friends to remember appointments or organize activities. Some women may also heavily rely on technology, such as planners, apps, and alarms to manage their daily tasks. Others may find that they create highly structured routines or use their intellectual abilities to compensate for deficits. Some women may also rationalize their symptoms or attribute them to other causes, such as a large workload or life stress.
While these compensatory strategies might help women manage their symptoms in the short term, they can also lead to significant mental and emotional strain in the long term.
An ADHD Assessment often helps women understand their lives better, can reduce self-blame, increase self-esteem, strengthen relationships, improve work or school performance, lead to better mental health, and empower them to advocate for their needs.
An assessment can also help with targeted treatment and strategies including medication, therapy, and ADHD-specific coaching.
How Bluebird Psychology’s ADHD Assessment Process Works
Step one - Intake Appointment
The appointment can be done in person in Calgary or virtually throughout Alberta. You will meet with the psychologist to discuss the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and chat about your academic, medical, and work history.
Step Two - Complete Questionnaires
You will be asked to complete a series of questionnaires that explore your symptoms. You will also choose someone that knows you well (ex. family member, friend, or colleague) to complete a questionnaire on your behalf.
Step Three - Receive Results
You’ll meet with the psychologist again to discuss the results of the assessment and ask questions. You’ll also receive a written report with personalized recommendations that can help improve your symptoms.
The cost of an ADHD Assessment is $1,430 and is often covered either partially, or in full, by insurance providers. Check with your insurance provider for more information.