A new study from the University of Toronto has found that women who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) are much more likely to have a wide variety of mental and physical illness when compared to women without ADHD. Fully one-third have anxiety disorders. Almost half have considered suicide.
According to Esme Fuller-Thomson of the University of Toronto, “The prevalence of mental illness among women with ADHD was disturbingly high with 46 percent having seriously considered suicide, 36 percent having generalized anxiety disorder, 31 percent having major depressive disorder and 39 percent having substance abuse problems at some point in their life.”
Women with ADHD were found to have suicidal thoughts and anxiety disorders more than four times as often as women without the disorder, and twice the amount of substance abuse and major depressive disorders, Fuller-Thomson said.
The study examined 3,908 Canadian women aged 20 to 39. 107 of the women reported that they had been diagnosed with ADHD.. Co-author of the study Danielle A. Lewis said the researchers were surprised at the high levels of physical health problems the women experienced, as well as the mental issues. More than 25 percent said physical pain prohibited at least some of their activities, which was much higher than the 9 percent reported by the participants without ADHD.
Insomnia was also significantly more prevalent in the women with ADHD, 43.9 percent compared to 12.2 percent. Smoking was also higher, 41 percent versus 22 percent.
Fuller-Thomson said that the study unfortunately does not provide information as to why the women with ADHD were so much more vulnerable to physical and mental health issues. “It is possible that some of the mental health problems may be caused by and/or contributing to financial stress,” she said.
ADHD is often thought of as a disorder affecting young boys, with little relevance for women or girls. The study shows that it is important that health care providers be vigilant in monitoring and treating female patients.