Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls are often faced with many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their lives. They may feel unable at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from anxiety or depression.
They also tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as we age. It is crucial that people with ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or forgotten.
As treatment for adhd in women and girls develop into adults, they typically remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances, keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may blame themselves for their problems.
ADHD is a chronic illness, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies for coping, but these often backfire. 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 symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded in the sense of losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work, and having trouble 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. It is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways girls and women present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. They can look at their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For inattentive add in women , some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem, and difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues, such as tics or chronic stress.
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. Or they may 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 receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in 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 may also face challenges if it is 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 also have strategies to cope with their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as frequently. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity can remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. They can also have co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they might struggle to manage their emotions, and this can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Many of these conditions can result in a low self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and ask for assistance. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with other people. They may miss social gatherings, fail to attend appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They may even wander off on tangents when talking, making it difficult for others to follow their lead.
It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as you can. For women, this could be an "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It can also help to identify their strengths and make 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 develop into adults, untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, and lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration. They may also make it more difficult to cope with the demands of adult life including 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-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This can result in women and girls avoiding or hiding their own symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed health professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be beneficial for certain people. In addition, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your physician to treat related disorders such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to medications lifestyle changes can also aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial.
Therapy is also a crucial element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thought patterns that contribute 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 the gender at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. It's because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have signs that aren't apparent to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly crucial for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities, such as making daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. They can also be harmful such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and may have relationship issues and chronic stress.
The challenges girls and women who suffer from ADHD confront can result in feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can result in avoiding school or work, as well as social activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents for help with everyday tasks. That can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and dependence on others that's difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be at greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexual activities that are not desired, and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also get therapy, individually or in a partnership. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It can help them improve their relationships.
Support services may also include special programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, take care of their responsibilities at home and take care of their children.