Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle in social relationships or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to cover their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. This is why it's vital that those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or ostracized as they grow older.
As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they might blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other mental disorders. Girls and women tend to mask symptoms with methods of coping, but these often fail to work. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing track of time, difficulties paying attention in classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines like meal planning, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the various ways girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD, and consider whether depression or anxiety is contributing to these difficulties.
It is also essential that those with ADHD be evaluated by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who can examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out other issues. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and issues in social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems such as anxiety or chronic stress.
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by family members, teachers or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They can also be faced with challenges if recognized. For one thing, girls may not have the same hyperactive/impulsive symptoms as boys -- and this can make them less likely to be recognised by teachers and parents, who are more accustomed to seeing those signs in male children. Girls also have strategies to cope with their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity could be unnoticed for a period of time.
Women are also more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. Moreover, they can have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their life, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they might struggle to manage their emotions, and this can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these conditions can cause a loss of self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and seek help. This could lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They may miss social events and fail to show to appointments, and are unable to read body language or recognize other people's nonverbal signals. They could even go off on tangents when talking, making it difficult for others to follow their lead.
For these reasons, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and take action as soon as possible. For women, this may be a "lightbulb moment" that gives them an external explanation for their difficulties and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also help women to recognize their strengths and to adopt steps to improve their life management abilities. This could positively impact their professional, personal and family lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
As girls and women develop into adults untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to manage adult demands, such as managing finances, keeping your home in order and maintaining healthy relationships.
Women and girls are less likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD than boys and men, partly because hyperactive/impulsive symptoms tend to be more commonly associated with males. This can lead to stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Girls and women might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by the society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first choice is stimulant medication, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for some people. In addition, a combination of treatments could be suggested by your physician to treat related disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful.
Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To make our content more consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. However, this article also applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary people. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. This is because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to identify. They might also exhibit symptoms that aren't apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly important for women, who often create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities, such as keeping daily schedules or setting phone reminders. However, they could also be harmful, such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious over, depressed, or overwhelmed and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress.
Women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to avoiding school and work, or social activities. adhd in women signs may also be more reliant on their parents to help with everyday tasks. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater risk for sexual activity with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexual activities that are not desired, and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also seek help from a therapist in a couple or on their own with an individual or with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It will aid them in improving their relationships.
Support services could also include special programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD maintain their jobs, manage their home responsibilities and care for their children.