A 2023 study from Epic Research found the percentage of young women diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder doubled from 2020 to 2022.
This shift is partly due to changes in how ADHD is diagnosed and recognized, as well as a growing awareness of how it can present differently in various demographic groups.
David Reitman, associate professor in the College of Psychology, is also the director of the ADHD Assessment Consultation and Treatment Program. Reitman has a B.A. in psychology and political science from Emory University and a M.A. and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi. He has dedicated his career to studying ADHD and its effects on individuals.
“One of the most significant reasons for the increase in ADHD diagnoses among adults is the revision of diagnostic criteria in the [The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders],” he said.
DSM-5 guides how mental health conditions are diagnosed.
“Among the most important changes in this regard were the reduction of the number of symptoms, from six to nine, to five of nine, (for individuals 17 years and older) as well as raising the age of first onset of symptoms from age 7 to age 12,” Reitman said.
Reitman said that during childhood, three boys are diagnosed with ADHD for one girl on average. The number is more evenly distributed in adulthood.
Reitman said that women are more often diagnosed with the inattentive (non-hyperactive/impulsive) type of ADHD, which can be subtler and harder to identify.
He added that due to majority of child and adolescent ADHD evaluations being recommended by teachers in a classroom setting, children with an inattentive variant of ADHD are more likely to be overlooked.
“Children presenting with overt behavioral problems characteristic of the Hyperactive-Impulsive type are far more likely to cause classroom disruption or experience social problems,” Reitman said.
This lack of recognition during childhood often leads to ADHD being underdiagnosed in women.
Many people mistakenly believe that ADHD symptoms disappear with age or that adults grow out of it. Reitman said that this is a common misconception.
“In some cases, adults are able to manage their symptoms more effectively because they have more control over their environment, such as their work or personal life. But, this doesn’t mean the symptoms vanish,” he said. “Rather, adults with ADHD often adapt by choosing careers or lifestyles that suit their needs better.”
However, the challenges of ADHD do not simply disappear.
“Inattention, forgetfulness and difficulties with organization can still pose significant challenges for adults, especially in demanding environments like college or the workplace,” Reitman said.
For college students, ADHD can have a significant impact on both academic performance and daily life.
“I think ADHD can make it way harder to keep up with everything, especially with the workload here. Deadlines can feel like they’re coming out of nowhere at times,” Vanessa Miro, sophomore health and wellness coaching major said.
“With ADHD-PI [predominately inattentive], the problems will manifest as difficulties with completing work, forgetfulness, missing deadlines, or a tendency to work less efficiently—taking far longer to complete tasks than their peers. Poor work quality might also be observed due to a failure to pay attention to important details,” Reitman said.
These challenges can make managing coursework and maintaining good grades particularly difficult for students with ADHD.
For students diagnosed with ADHD, managing symptoms effectively is crucial for academic success and personal well-being.
“It’s interesting to see how ADHD affects focus and deadlines for some students. It makes me realize that factors like stress and lack of sleep can make these challenges even harder to manage,” Maya Sanchez, sophomore biology major, said.
Reitman emphasizes a combination of medication and psychosocial treatments.
“Medications like stimulants can be effective when used correctly, but they should be managed by a qualified healthcare professional,” he said.
In addition to medication, non-pharmacological treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and organizational skills training, can provide significant benefits.
“It’s important for students to build structured routines that foster productivity, and they should also focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle—getting enough sleep, eating well and managing stress,” Reitman said.
Reitman also cautions against viewing ADHD as the cause of all personal struggles.
“ADHD should be seen as a condition that legitimizes the struggles a person may face, rather than the cause of all their problems. It helps people understand their challenges and access professional support,” Reitman said.
For more information:
If students suspect they might have ADHD or are struggling with symptoms, they can contact a mental health professional or the NSU Center for Student Counseling and Well-Being, at (954) 424-6911, for counseling services for support and evaluation.
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