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 unprepared at work, have difficulty with peer relationships or experience depression and anxiety.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as people get older. This is the reason it's crucial that people suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or ostracized as they grow older.
As girls and women mature into adulthood and become adults, they 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 affect their self-esteem and mental health since they blame themselves for their troubles.
Contrary to other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often fail to work. In addition, hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as forgetfulness or being absentminded, having trouble paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulty in daily routines such as 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 crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the various ways women and girls can present with ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression can be a contributing factor to these issues.
It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms and medical history, and rule out other illnesses. For example, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and trouble with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience 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 consider them serious. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and 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 can develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms and make them less well-known. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might go unnoticed over a period of time.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. Moreover, they can have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions. This may be worsened because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
A variety of these issues can result in a low self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to discuss their problems and ask for assistance. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with other people. They might miss social engagements or fail to show up for appointments and can't discern body language or recognize other people's nonverbal signals. They may also be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to keep up.
It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and act as swiftly as you can. It could be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It can also help them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This can be beneficial to their professional, personal and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and cause anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can also make it difficult to deal with adult demands like managing finances, keeping your home in order 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 regarding the disorder. Girls and women might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by the society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The most effective medications are stimulants. option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. Your doctor might suggest a combination therapy to address related conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
Alongside medication, lifestyle changes can aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and reduce stress, anxiety and other mood disorders that are that are common among people with ADHD. adhd in women treatment , such as team sports or group fitness classes, are particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their 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 at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. To make our content more consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to all individuals who were male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is essential for women who frequently come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies may include healthy actions like making daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. They can 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.
Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem, or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school, work, or social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to assist them with daily tasks. undiagnosed adhd in women can result in a cycle 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 of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This could be due to impulsivity, poor organization, or the inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also get therapy, individually or in a partnership. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It will help them improve their relationships.
Support services could also include specialized programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to work and household responsibilities and take care of children.