Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for women and girls. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects both men and boys more often than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people age. This is why it's vital that people with ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved when they reach the age of adulthood.
As women and girls develop into adults, they often still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they may blame themselves for their troubles.
Unlike some other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Women and girls tend to mask their symptoms with strategies to cope however, these strategies often fail. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can be characterized by forgetfulness or being absentminded and having difficulty paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulties with daily routines, such as scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to think about whether the presence of anxiety or depression is the cause of their struggles.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out other conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like tics or chronic stress.
Many girls and women who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. 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. In some cases women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are treated for ADHD or they do not receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and have difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They also may 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 also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as much. This means that their problems with organisation, concentration and impulsivity could remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize their symptoms. There are also co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. They may have difficulty to control their emotions. This may be worsened due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and ask for assistance. This can result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and engaging with other people. They might miss social gatherings, or not show up for appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They might even be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up.
It's important to get a proper diagnosis and take action as soon as you can. It could be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also assist women to focus on their strengths and to take steps to improve 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 devastating effect on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They can make it difficult to cope 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-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This can result in women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms in order to avoid getting stigmatized by society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options available for ADHD both in girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first choice is a stimulant, however non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment to treat related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.
In addition to medications lifestyle changes can also aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, and reduce stress, anxiety and other mood disorders that are common in people with ADHD. adhd in women , such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be especially beneficial.
Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
We employ the terms "girls", "women" and "womens" to refer to the gender assigned at birth, and not to the person's gender identity. To make our content more clear and consistent and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB), and to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality 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 get a misdiagnosis than men. It's because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that are less apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization, instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is crucial for women who typically develop coping strategies to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions, such as keeping daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. They can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may experience anxiety, depressed, overwhelmed, and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
The difficulties that girls and women with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoiding school, work or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents for helping them with their daily tasks. This can lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls as well as women who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or inability to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activities, and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
As adults, women who suffer from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, individually or in a group. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also aid in improving their relationships.
Support services can include programs specifically designed for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.