Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often face many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their lives. They may feel unsatisfied at work, have difficulty with relationships with peers and suffer from anxiety or depression.
They are also better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat them.
Signs and symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects boys and men more often than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. This is why it's vital that people suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or abandoned as they grow older.
As girls and women grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their troubles.
In contrast to other mental disorders, ADHD is a chronic condition. Women and girls tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope however, these strategies often fail. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can be characterized by inattention or forgetfulness and having difficulty paying attention in class, and having difficulty in daily routines such as scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. 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 many ways girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD and also consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties.
discover this 's also critical that people with ADHD be assessed by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who can examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues like anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and difficulty with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like anxiety or chronic stress.
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or they may think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, and they can be faced with challenges when it does happen. 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 develop coping strategies that disguise their symptoms and make them less visible. This means that their issues with organisation, concentration and impulsivity may be ignored for a long time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the symptoms. Moreover, they can suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their life management skills, such as anxiety and depression. For instance, they may find it hard to control their emotions, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. This means it is often difficult for them to speak up about their issues and seek help. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They might not attend social events, fail to turn on time for appointments, and fail to discern body language or recognize other people's nonverbal cues. They may even be inclined to go off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up.
For these reasons, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and get it immediately. For women, this can be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept themselves more fully. It also allows to identify their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive impact on their family, work and personal lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it harder to handle the demands of adulthood like managing finances, keeping a home clean and in good 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. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by the society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional is able to prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for certain people. In addition, a mix of treatments may be recommended by your physician to treat related issues such as anxiety or depression.
Alongside medication, lifestyle changes can aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are that are common among people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are especially beneficial.
Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
We employ the terms "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender assigned at birth, not to the person's gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear language across our content, and to avoid confusion for readers. However, this article also applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender people and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive and welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that are less obvious to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is particularly important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These coping strategies may include healthy actions like making daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. But they can also be unhealthy like excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. They may also have relationship issues and chronic stress.
The difficulties that girls and women who suffer from ADHD confront can result in feelings of low self-esteem and depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They could also become more reliant on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This can lead to an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's difficult to break.
As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater risk for sexual activity with non-consensual partners. This could be due to insanity, poor organization, or the inability to utilize 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.
As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also get therapy on their own or in a partnership. This can help them to recognize their issues and develop more positive internal conversations. This will also help improve their relationships.
Support services may include programs specifically designed for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, take care of their household responsibilities, and care for their children.