Day 1: Celebrating Women’s History Month: Shining a Light on ADHD in Women
Happy Women's History Month! As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and educator, this month always feels particularly special to me. It's a time to celebrate women's incredible achievements, reflect on the progress we've made, and acknowledge the challenges that still remain.
This year, as part of our recognition at Cardinal Academy, I want to focus our attention on a topic that is deeply meaningful to me both professionally and personally: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in women.
Why ADHD in Women?
When we think about ADHD, most people picture hyperactive little boys bouncing off the walls. But what if I told you that many women quietly struggle with ADHD every day—often without even knowing it?
In my practice, I've met countless women who've spent years feeling misunderstood or overlooked. They often describe themselves as feeling "scattered," "overwhelmed," or "constantly behind." They wonder why everyday tasks seem so much harder for them than for others. The truth is, ADHD in women often looks very different from the stereotypical image we carry in our minds.
Dr. Susan Young, a leading expert on ADHD in women, emphasizes that women typically experience more subtle, internalized symptoms like inattentiveness, difficulty organizing, and emotional sensitivity. Because these symptoms aren't as noticeable or disruptive as hyperactivity, many women go undiagnosed until adulthood—if they're diagnosed at all (Young, 2020).
Why Accurate Recognition Matters?
The impact of undiagnosed ADHD can be profound. I've seen firsthand how it can affect women's self-esteem, emotional well-being, relationships, education, and career opportunities. Dr. Sandra Kooij highlights that hormonal changes throughout a woman's life—such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause—can significantly affect ADHD symptoms, making accurate diagnosis and treatment even more challenging and essential (Kooij et al., 2019).
What's more, Dr. Martin Katzman, a renowned psychiatrist and researcher, has underscored the high prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders among women with ADHD. His work reminds us that recognizing ADHD isn't just about improving attention or productivity—it's about significantly enhancing mental health and overall quality of life (Katzman et al., 2017).
Intersectionality: A Vital Consideration
As we discuss ADHD in women, it's crucial to acknowledge intersectionality—how race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and culture intersect and influence the experiences of women with ADHD. Dr. Napoleon Higgins has done compelling work highlighting the additional barriers that African American women and other women of color face when seeking diagnosis and treatment. These barriers include racial biases, cultural misunderstandings, and socioeconomic disparities that further complicate and delay access to proper care (Higgins, 2021).
Why I'm Passionate About This Topic?
As an educator at Cardinal Academy and a clinician, my mission is to empower fellow healthcare professionals to better understand and support women with ADHD. I've seen how transformative it can be when women finally receive the correct diagnosis and effective treatment. It's about more than clinical improvement—it's about validation, self-understanding, and empowerment.
Throughout this week, I'll be diving deeper into the critical issues surrounding ADHD in women. Each day, we'll explore a different aspect of this important topic, guided by the expertise of researchers like Dr. Susan Young, Dr. Sandra Kooij, Dr. Martin Katzman, Dr. Napoleon Higgins, and Dr. Stephen Faraone, as well as evidence-based guidelines from CADDRA and the World Federation for ADHD.
Here's what you can look forward to:
Day 2: Uncovering the hidden face of ADHD in women.
Day 3: Why women with ADHD are often overlooked.
Day 4: Understanding the profound impact of undiagnosed ADHD.
Day 5: Exploring evidence-based approaches for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Day 6: Empowering women through education and advocacy (and a special call-to-action!).
Join Me This Week!
I warmly invite you—clinicians, educators, advocates, and especially women living with ADHD—to join me each day. Together, let's honor Women's History Month by bringing visibility, compassion, and evidence-based care to the millions of women who deserve to be seen, heard, and supported.
I'm excited to share this journey with you!
Warmly,
Naomi Myrick, PMHNP-BC
Cardinal Academy
References
- Young, S. (2020). ADHD in Girls and Women: A Clinical Perspective. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 578.
- World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. (2021). Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 128, 789-818.
HEY, I’M THE AUTHOR…
Naomi Myrick, MSN, PMHNP-BC, is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and CEO of Cardinal Care Psychiatric Services, operating two offices in Virginia. She specializes in Adult ADHD, health equity, and mentorship, earning the 2023 Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Preceptor Award. As the founder of Cardinal Academy, she provides education for psychiatric NPs. Naomi actively contributes to APSARD, CAADRA, and other professional organizations and serves on Tebra Technologies' Mental Health Advisory Board. She is now publishing blogs on ADHD to raise awareness and promote understanding.
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