Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often face a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their lives. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They also have a better chance of developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat them.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people get older. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved as they grow older.
As girls and women develop into adults, they often still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing their finances or keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health since they blame themselves for their issues.
In contrast to other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a chronic condition. Girls and women tend to hide their symptoms by using methods of coping, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious or having trouble paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble with daily routines like meal planning, scheduling, or laundry. 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 that girls and women suffer from ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues.
It's also critical that people who suffer from ADHD be assessed by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who can examine their symptoms and medical background to rule out other conditions. Certain people with ADHD also have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression or low self-esteem, as well as issues with social interactions and relationships. It's also normal for people with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia.
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. women and adhd diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s, and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They can also have issues if discovered. 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 may also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' problems with concentration, organization and impulsivity could be overlooked over a number of years.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. Moreover, they can suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their life management skills, such as anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. It is often difficult for these people to openly discuss their issues and ask for help. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and engaging with others. They might miss social engagements and fail to show up for appointments and can't detect body language or pick up on other people's nonverbal signals. They might even be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them.
In these circumstances, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and take action immediately. For women, this could be an "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also aid women to recognize their strengths and to take steps to improve life management skills. This could have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
As girls and women develop into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They can make it difficult to cope with adult demands, like managing finances and maintaining a clean home 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 result in gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might then conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD for both genders. A licensed health professional can prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments could be suggested by your doctor to treat related disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Group activities, such as group fitness or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also an important component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to provide clearer and more consistent terms across our content and to make it easier for readers. However, this article also applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary people. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and those who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) and suffer from ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization, rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and fulfill the expectations of society. These coping mechanisms can include healthy activities such as setting phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. But they can also be harmful, such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
The challenges that women and girls who suffer from ADHD confront can result in feelings of self-esteem loss depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to being unable to attend school or work activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to assist them with daily tasks. This can result in a cycle of dependency and dependence on others that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls as well as women who suffer from ADHD may be at greater risk for sexual activity with non-consensual partners. This could be due an impulsive nature, inadequate planning, or an inability to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and can be at greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also seek therapy, individually or in a group. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It will aid them in improving their relationships.
Support services can also include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD maintain their jobs, manage their household responsibilities, and care for their children.