Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls are often faced with a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their daily lives. They may feel unprepared at work, have difficulty in relationships with peers or experience anxiety and depression.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more often than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. This is why it's critical that people with ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or ostracized as they grow older.
As girls and women mature into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their confidence in themselves and mental health, since they blame themselves for their troubles.
Contrary to other mental disorders, ADHD is a chronic condition. Girls and women tend to hide their symptoms by using coping techniques, but they often result in a negative effect. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can be characterized by forgetfulness or being absentminded, having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties with daily routines, such as meal planning, scheduling 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 various ways women and girls can be diagnosed with ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. They can look at their symptoms and medical history, and rule out other conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like tics or chronic stress.
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not think their problems are a serious enough issue to seek help, or they may believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting, low self-esteem or other external factors. In some cases women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are treated for ADHD, or they don't receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood and can face challenges when it does occur. 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 manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as much. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity may be overlooked over a number of time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify the symptoms. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
A lot of these issues could lead to low self-esteem or relationship issues. As a result, it is often difficult to talk about their struggles and seek assistance. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with other people. They might miss social engagements, fail to turn up for appointments and can't read body language or read other people's nonverbal cues. They may even wander off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to follow them.
It is essential to get a proper diagnose and take action as quickly as possible. For women, this may be a "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also assist to identify their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive impact on their work, family and personal lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional life of girls and women as they reach adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to cope with the demands of adulthood, such as managing finances, keeping the 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 about the disorder. Women and girls might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by the society.
There are, thankfully, effective treatment options available for ADHD for girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional is able to prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. The first option is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants are also effective for certain people. Additionally, a combination of treatments might be recommended by your doctor to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and other mood disorders that are that are common among people with ADHD. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be especially beneficial.
Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also helpful in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships.
We use the terms "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. To make our content more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender people and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our website.
Support
Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. It's because women and girls tend to hide symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly important for women, who often develop coping mechanisms that make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities, such as keeping daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. But they could also be harmful such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem and other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These issues can cause the avoidance of school or work activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to help them with daily tasks. This can create an addiction and reliance that is hard to break.
In adolescence, girls and women with ADHD may be at greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or the inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexual activities that are not desired, and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
As adults, women suffering from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. such a good point can also seek out therapy in a couple or on their own with an individual or with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It will aid them in improving their relationships.
Support services could include programs specifically designed for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and manage their home responsibilities and look after children.