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 lives. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression.
They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to cover their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than girls and women, the gender gap narrows as people get older. It is crucial that people with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored.
As girls and women grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other mental disorders. Girls and women are more likely to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, but they often fail to work. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious and having difficulty paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulties with daily routines like scheduling meals, meal planning or doing laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the different ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to consider whether comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their difficulties.
It is also essential that those who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out other medical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD are also suffering from mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and trouble with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like chronic stress or tics.
Many women and girls with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by their teachers, families or friends. They might not think their problems are serious enough issue to seek help or may think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, among other external factors. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are treated for ADHD or they are not diagnosed until they're in their 40s or 50s and are having major difficulties with daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They may also face challenges if it is 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 can also develop strategies to manage their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as much. This means that their issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect their symptoms. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, like anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions. This can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and ask for help. This can delay the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or communicate with others. 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 might even be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up with them.
For these reasons, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and take action as soon as possible. This could be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It also allows them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This could have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
As girls and women develop into adults, untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it harder to cope with the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping a home organized 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 could create gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which could lead to girls and women suppressing or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid getting stigmatized by society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed health professional can prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Stimulant medications are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for certain people. Your healthcare professional may also suggest a combination treatment to address related conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
adhd women test , in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports, are particularly helpful.
Therapy is also a crucial part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of a person's affirmed gender identity. This is to facilitate the use of a more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to avoid confusion for our readers. This article applies to all individuals who were assigned males at birth, which includes transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. It's because girls and women tend to hide symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that are not obvious to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization, instead of excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is important for women who typically develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies may include healthy actions like making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. They could also be harmful, like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may have relationship issues and chronic stress.
The difficulties that girls and women with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can result in avoidance of school or work, as well as social activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents to assistance with their daily tasks. This can lead to a cycle of dependency and dependence on others that is difficult to break.
As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This could be due to the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or an inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into unwanted sexual activities, and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medications to treat symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also get therapy either on their own or in a partnership. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships.
Support services can include programs specifically designed for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD, as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and take care of children.