Polarising ADHD Around Gender is Wrong. Here's Why
Gender Polarity in ADHD
Let's get straight to it - the notion that ADHD presents fundamentally differently between genders is flawed. While there are some variations in how symptoms manifest, polarising the disorder around gender oversimplifies its complexity and does more harm than good.
We've been conditioned to view ADHD through a gendered lens, with boys more likely to be diagnosed due to their hyperactive, disruptive behaviours aligning with societal expectations of masculinity. Girls, on the other hand, tend to exhibit more inattentive symptoms that often go unnoticed or can be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.
But here's the thing - these differences don't necessarily stem from ADHD itself being inherently different across genders. Instead, they can be largely attributed to the modulatory effects of hormones and the impact of societal conditioning.
Let's break it down:
The Hormonal Modulator
For women, fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can significantly influence the severity and presentation of ADHD symptoms. Higher oestrogen levels during pregnancy may alleviate symptoms, while the decline during menopause can exacerbate them. These hormonal changes act as modulators, altering the expression of ADHD rather than indicating a fundamentally different disorder.
In men, testosterone plays a crucial role. Prenatal exposure can influence neural development and potentially increase the risk of ADHD. During puberty, the surge in testosterone can worsen symptoms like impulsivity and hyperactivity. Interestingly, some studies suggest that testosterone treatment in adult men with ADHD may improve symptoms, highlighting its modulatory effects.
The Societal Conditioning Factor
Societal and cultural expectations also shape how ADHD is perceived and diagnosed. Boys' hyperactive and impulsive behaviours are more likely to be recognized as ADHD, while girls' inattentive symptoms are often overlooked or misinterpreted as personal flaws or laziness.
This bias has undoubtedly led to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in women and perpetuated the misconception that ADHD is a "male disorder." It's a vicious cycle that reinforces gender stereotypes and prevents individuals from receiving the support they need. How much longer will it be before gender bias is finally eliminated from the diagnostic criteria?
Why a Gender-Based Approach Falls Short
Using a gender-based framework in coaching or treatment confines clients within the coach's or therapist’s biases and assumptions about gender differences in ADHD. This approach can limit the potential for personalised and effective strategies, as it overlooks the individual experiences and needs of each client.
Moreover, it reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the misconception that ADHD presents fundamentally differently across genders. Instead, coaches should adopt a holistic, individualised approach that considers the full spectrum of ADHD symptoms and challenges and their impact on the client's life regardless of gender.
Coaches need to acknowledge the role of hormonal fluctuations and societal conditional but polarising coaching around gender limits the development of more nuanced and effective strategies that address the root causes of their clients’ challenges. This approach promotes a deeper understanding of ADHD and fosters a more supportive and empowering coaching environment.
At the end of the day, polarising ADHD around gender is a flawed approach that fails to capture the complexity of the disorder. Hormonal effects act as modulators, influencing the severity and manifestation of symptoms in both men and women. Societal conditioning further complicates the diagnosis and perception of ADHD, leading to biases and misconceptions.
It's time to move beyond a gender-based framework and embrace a more holistic, individualised approach that considers the unique experiences and needs of each client. Only then can we truly provide effective support and help individuals with ADHD thrive.
As an ADHD coach, I work with everyone to support them in a way that truly aligns with them. If you would like coaching to help you reach new levels of success book a free focus call with me https://nomaddcoaching.as.me/?appointmentType=42898338.