Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to various issues for women and girls. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression.
They also have a better chance of developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Signs and symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. It is crucial that people with ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or ignored.
As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic disorder unlike other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women tend to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines, such as meal planning, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the different ways that girls and women present with ADHD and think about whether depression or anxiety is contributing to these difficulties.
It is also essential that those who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who will examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out other issues. For example, some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem, and difficulties with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like anxiety or chronic stress.
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because they aren't taken seriously by teachers, family or friends. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or they may think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are treated for ADHD, or they do not receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and may be faced with challenges when it does occur. 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 also have strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as much. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity can remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect the symptoms. Moreover, they can suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their life management skills, such as anxiety and depression. They may be unable to manage their emotions. This may be worsened due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
A variety of these issues can lead to low self-esteem or relationship problems. In the end, it isn't easy for them to open up about their issues and seek assistance. This can delay diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to form friendships or interact with other people. They may miss social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and have trouble understanding body language. They may even wander 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 get it as soon as possible. It could be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also assist women to focus on their strengths and to adopt steps to improve their life management abilities. Home could positively impact their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.
Treatment
As women and girls develop into adults untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They can make it difficult to cope with adult demands like managing finances and keeping a 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 result in gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by the society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options available for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed health professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant medications are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. Additionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your healthcare professional to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, such as group fitness classes or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and modify negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to the gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To make our content more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. This is because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is crucial for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy actions like making phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. They could also be harmful, such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress.
Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings can result in being unable to attend school, work or social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This can result in an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's hard to break.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during adolescence. This could be due to insanity, poor organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into sexual activities that are not desired, and they can be at a higher risk of domestic violence and sexual exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek therapy, either individually or with an individual or with a partner. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. This can also aid in improving their relationships.
Support services could include programs specifically designed for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to work and household responsibilities and look after children.