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Miss. Diagnosed.

22 December 2023 | Story Michelle Nöthling | Photo Anja Aucamp

According to Dr Munita Dunn-Coetzee, it is increasingly recognised that females with ADHD portray a different ‘picture’ in terms of behaviour, symptoms, and comorbidities when compared to males with ADHD.

I’m a failure as an adult. I’m a disappointment as a colleague. I’m a lousy friend. I’m a burden as a wife. I’m a bad mom and I’m constantly scrambling to try and hide it.

This is the secret interior reality of a group of neurodivergent adults who have been long overlooked by scientists and doctors alike. The Lost Generation. It is now recognised that there is an entire generation of women out there who have battled with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) their entire lives – and don’t know it.

Women and girls living with ADHD

For decades, ADHD has been predominantly associated with hyperactive young boys bouncing off the walls. The reason for this widely-held misconception is due to the fact that studies originally focused on young European American boys – their symptoms becoming the benchmark for all. Women were not even included in ADHD studies until the late 1990s, and the first long-term study on girls was only conducted in 2002. The results? Girls’ ADHD symptoms bear little resemblance to those of boys. Dr Munita Dunn-Coetzee, Director of Student Counselling and Development at the UFS, agrees. “It is increasingly recognised that females with ADHD portray a different ‘picture’ in terms of behaviour, symptoms, and comorbidities when compared to males with ADHD. Females are less likely to be identified and referred for assessment, and their needs are less likely to be met.” Therefore, the majority of girls and women with ADHD remain un- or misdiagnosed.

But what does ADHD in women look like? First, let’s take a step back. There are three types of ADHD: the hyperactive type, the inattentive type, and the combined type – which includes both hyperactivity and inattention. Hyperactivity in females is much more likely to present internally, in the mind, and inattentiveness as daydreaming and disorganisation. This is much more than sitting still in class or having trouble with homework. Faced with behavioural and social pressures to perform, girls often learn to mask and overcompensate for their problems – making diagnosis even more difficult.

Carry the struggle to adulthood

When left untreated, girls with ADHD will most likely carry their struggle into adulthood. ADHD in adult women often results in chronic low self-esteem, self-loathing, feelings of inadequacy, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and eating disorders. Women with ADHD also typically present with tremendous time management challenges, chronic overwhelm, and exhaustion – exacerbated by societal pressures. The risk of self-harm and suicide attempts is also startlingly higher compared to their male counterparts.

There is tremendous hope, though. Drs Edward Hallowell and John Ratey – experts in the field who both have ADHD – describe ADHD as an array of traits specific to a unique kind of mind that can become a distinct advantage with appropriate treatment and support. ADHD is not a condemnation of character. Instead, it unveils a kaleidoscope of strengths and a unique constellation of traits deserving of celebration.

News Archive

Fundraising campaign launched to help feed hungry students

2012-03-28

From the left is Dr. Carin Buys (Patron of NSH), Ms. Nicky Abdinor (guest speaker), Mrs. Grace Jansen (patron of NSH) and Redi Tlhabi (master of ceremonies).
Photo: Johan Roux
28 March 2012

Video clip (YouTube)

The University of the Free State (UFS) received over R200 000 for its No Student Hungry (NSH) Programme at the NSH launch dinner on Friday 23 March 2012 in Bloemfontein.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS as well as founder of the NSH Programme donated R100 000 from the proceeds of his book We Need to Talk to this programme. Standard Bank also donated R30 000.

An additional amount of about R90 000 was raised by means of pledges made by guests and the auctioning of several items. These items were donated by local companies and university staff.

The No Student Hungry Programme (NSH) aims to raise funds to provide modest food bursaries for needy students and give them daily access to a balanced meal.
Prof. Jansen started the NSH programme in 2011 with the proceeds of his book, We Need to Talk.

The NSH funds more than 100 students in the hope of helping them to excel in their academic endeavours and, ultimately, to obtain their degrees.

In 2011, Prof. Jansen discovered that a significant number of students were studying without eating on a regular basis. These were often students with strong academic records but without adequate funding to sustain themselves with regular meals.

The project was established in January 2011 when the NSH Team started to develop the structure and processes of the programme. The first 100 students who were awarded the food bursaries started using their student cards for daily meals on campus on 1 April 2011.

“The No Student Hungry Campaign is not only about creating a university campus that cares. It is about creating a country where being human matters. Our students on the NSH project are amazing young people. They struggle to get by, but they have great potential and achieve good marks," Prof. Jansen said on Friday.

Prof. Jansen’s wife, Grace, and Dr Carin Buys, wife of Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs, volunteered to drive the programme and raise funds to address the problem. They are supported by various divisions within the university.

Students apply for the bursaries and are selected on the basis of their financial needs, good academic results, active participation in student life programmes and commitment to give something back to the community.

The raising of funds is a continuous process involving awareness campaigns, seeking of partnerships with companies and institutions and support from the general public, staff and individuals.

An agreement has been made with several food outlets/restaurants on campus who offer healthy, balanced meals to NSH students when they swipe their student cards that are funded by the programme.

At the end of the year the process is reviewed and students who still qualify are reinstated on the programme, whilst those whose circumstances have changed or are no longer in need of the bursaries, make way for new applications.

The NSH Team meets with students on a regular basis with the purpose of offering training, motivation and opportunities for personal growth and career development. Students are also expected to become involved in projects as a way of ploughing back into the community.

The goal is to expand the project annually as support for it grows.
Ms Nicky Abdinor, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town, who was born without arms and with shortened legs, provided an entertaining motivational speech at the launch. Ms Abdinor, founder of the Nicky's Drive organisation, also visited the UFS’ Unit for Students with disabilities where she delivered a talk on independence for people living with disabilities.

To become involved with the NSH Programme, please contact Mrs René Pelser on +27(0)51 4019087 or e-mail pelserr@ufs.ac.za.

Media Release
28 March 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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