The article highlights that ADHD diagnostic criteria are inadequately tailored for females, resulting in many being mislabeled. It emphasizes the connection between emotional dysregulation and ADHD—yet this factor is omitted from the official assessment guidelines. Consequently, females often face late diagnoses, leading to devastating outcomes such as increased rates of suicidality, chronic shame, and lasting disadvantages. Through a personal narrative, the author reflects on the societal expectations placed on women, paralleling their experiences with literary themes in Shakespeare, particularly through the depiction of strong female characters like Katherine in The Taming of the Shrew.
Emotional dysregulation is strongly tied to ADHD, yet it is not included in the criteria.
Late diagnosis in females may lead to higher suicidality, enduring shame, and unnecessary disadvantage.
The current ADHD diagnostic criteria were not written for females, leaving many girls and women mislabeled.
Once, I was waiting in my regular spot outside class several minutes early, when...a large football player's eyes landed on the book I was clutching.
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