Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their daily lives. They may feel unsatisfied at work, have difficulty with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They are also better at creating coping mechanisms to hide their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Signs and symptoms
Although research has proven that ADHD affects boys and men more frequently than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or abandoned as they grow older.
As women and girls develop into adults, they often remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their self-esteem and mental health since they blame themselves for their problems.
ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other mental disorders. Girls and women are more likely to mask symptoms with coping techniques, but they often result in a negative effect. In addition, changes in hormones during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded, losing track of time, difficulties paying attention during classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines such as food preparation, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. adhd in women adult is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways women and girls can present 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 will examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other conditions. Certain people with ADHD have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and problems with social interactions and relationships. It is also common for people with ADHD to suffer from other health issues that are co-occurring such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.
Many girls and women who have ADHD aren't diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. In some instances 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 experiencing major difficulties with daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They can also be faced with challenges if detected. 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 can develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms which allows them to be less visible. It is possible that girls' problems with concentration, organization and impulsivity could be unnoticed for a period of years.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the signs. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. For example, they can struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
A variety of these issues can cause a loss of self-esteem and issues with relationships. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and seek assistance. This can lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and engaging with others. They may miss social events, not attend appointments, and may have difficulty reading body language. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it harder for others to keep up.
It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as fast as you can. For women, this could be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept their own uniqueness. It also allows them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This could positively impact their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.
Treatment
As girls and women grow into adults, untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and lead to frustration and low confidence. They may also make it difficult to cope with the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping a home tidy 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 about the disorder. Women and girls might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by the society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in women and girls. Medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for some people. In addition, a combination of treatments could be suggested by your healthcare professional to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
In addition to medications lifestyle changes can also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are especially beneficial.
Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to make it easier for readers. This article applies to all those who were assigned male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. This is because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, making them more difficult for doctors to recognize. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is particularly important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to help them feel normal and fulfill the expectations of society. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions like maintaining a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls. But they could also be harmful such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. They may also be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress.
Women and girls with ADHD can experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms like depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to avoidance of school or work activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents to help with everyday tasks. This can create a cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with non-consensual partners in adolescence. This can be due to the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a lack of ability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unintentional sexual activity and they are more vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual exploitation.
Women with ADHD who are adults could benefit from medications to treat symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also receive therapy on their own or in partnership. This will help them to recognize their issues and create more positive internal dialogues. It will also help them improve their relationships.
Support services may also include coaching for parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.
