Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause many issues for women and girls. They may feel unsatisfied at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They are also more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys more often than girls and women but the gap between genders narrows as people age. This is the reason it's crucial that those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or unloved when they reach adulthood.
As girls and women mature into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances, keeping the house clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their self-esteem and mental health, as they blame themselves for their troubles.
ADHD is a chronic disorder and is not like other mental disorders. Women and girls are prone to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope however, these strategies often fail. Additionally, hormonal changes during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention during class or work and trouble with daily routines like laundry, meal planning or scheduling. 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 many ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to consider whether comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their problems.
It is also essential that those who suffer from ADHD be assessed by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other conditions. Some people with ADHD also have mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as issues in social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues, such as anxiety or chronic stress.
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because they're not considered serious by their teachers, families or friends. They may not think that their issues are serious enough issue to seek help, or they may believe their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting, low self-esteem or other external factors. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can face 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 may also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity could be unnoticed for a period of years.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms harder to pick up on. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their life management skills like anxiety and depression. They may be unable to control their emotions. This may be worsened due to hormonal changes during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and issues with relationships. This means it is often difficult to talk about their struggles and seek assistance. This can lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with other people. They might not attend social events, fail to turn on time for appointments, and fail to read body language or recognize the non-verbal signals of others. They may also be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them.
It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as fast as you can. For women, this can be a "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation for their difficulties and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also aid women focus on their strengths and to adopt steps to improve their life management skills. This can have a positive impact on their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, and lead to anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can make it difficult to cope with adult demands like managing finances, keeping your home in order, or 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 lead to stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Females and females may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by the society.
There are, add in adult women , effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. Medications control brain activity and control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The most effective medications are stimulants. choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments could be suggested by your doctor to address related conditions like depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other mood disorders that are that are common among 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 component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflict 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. This is to provide clearer and more consistent language across our content, and to make it easier for our readers. This article is applicable to all those who were assigned male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD, are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. It's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to diagnose. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is especially important for women, who often develop coping mechanisms that make them feel comfortable and conform to social norms. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities, such as making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. However, they could also be harmful, such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and they could have relationship issues and chronic stress.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to being unable to attend school, work, or social activities. They may also become dependent on their parents to assist them with daily tasks. That can create an environment of dependency and dependence on others that's hard to break.
As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or the inability to utilize contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and they can be at higher risk for domestic violence and exploitation.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also seek help from a therapist in a couple or on their own with a partner. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This will also help improve their relationships.
Support services can also include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to work, manage responsibilities at home, and care for children.