Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel incompetent at work, experience difficulties in social relationships or suffer from anxiety and depression.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that cover their ADHD symptoms, which makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects men and boys more often than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people get older. It's crucial that those who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or forgotten.
As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing their finances and keeping their home clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their self-esteem and mental health, as they blame themselves for their problems.
ADHD is a chronic illness, unlike some other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often fail to work. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can include inattention or forgetfulness or having trouble paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulty with daily routines, such as meal planning, scheduling 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 different ways girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can evaluate their symptoms, medical history and rule out other conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD have additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like anxiety or chronic stress.
Many girls and women with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by their teachers, families or friends. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s, and are experiencing problems with daily life.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood and may have issues 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 develop coping strategies that disguise their symptoms, allowing them to be less noticed. This means that their problems with organisation, concentration and impulsivity can remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms harder to detect. Moreover, they can suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated because of hormonal changes during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these conditions can result in a low self-esteem and issues with relationships. It is often difficult for these people to discuss their problems and ask for help. This could lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They might miss social gatherings, or not show up for appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They might even go off on tangents when talking, making it difficult for others to follow their lead.
In these circumstances, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and take action as soon as you can. For women, this can be a "lightbulb moment" that gives them an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also help them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can positively impact their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration. They may also make it harder to cope with the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping your 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 could create gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which can result in women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for ADHD both in girls and women. Medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be beneficial for certain people. Additionally, a combination of treatments might be recommended by your healthcare professional to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. inattentive add in women that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports, are especially beneficial.
Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
We use the terms "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was established at birth, rather than to the person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. This article is applicable to all those who were assigned male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content.
Support
Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to spot. They may also have signs that aren't apparent to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This masking is essential for women who often develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions such as making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. But they can also be unhealthy like excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and may suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
Women and girls who suffer from 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 or work activities. They could also become more reliant on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. This can create an addiction and reliance that is difficult to break.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This could be due the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a lack of ability to use contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults can benefit from medications to treat symptoms and coping techniques. They can also seek help from a therapist whether on their own or with an individual or with a partner. This will help them to recognize their issues and develop more positive internal conversations. This will also help improve their relationships.
Support services could also include specialized programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD, as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.