Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause various issues for women and girls. They may feel unprepared at work, struggle in social relationships, or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to cover their ADHD symptoms, making it harder to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects men and boys at a higher rate than women and girls but the gap between genders narrows as people get older. This is why it's critical that those suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or abandoned when they reach the age of adulthood.
As girls and women grow into adults, they often still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they may blame themselves for their problems.
Contrary to other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Girls and women tend to mask their symptoms with strategies to cope that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, changes in hormones during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms typically include being impulsive or forgetful and losing track of time, difficulty paying attention during class or work and trouble with daily routines such as food preparation, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the many ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to determine if comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from 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 might not think their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance or may think their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, among other external factors. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or are not diagnosed until they're in their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They also may have issues if discovered. 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 mask their symptoms which allows them to be less noticed. This means that their issues with concentration, organisation and impulsivity could remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect their symptoms. Additionally, they may suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their life, such as anxiety and depression. For instance, they might struggle to manage their moods, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
Many of these conditions can contribute to a lack of self-esteem and problems with relationships. In the end, it is often difficult for them to speak up about their issues and seek help. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with other people. They may skip social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They could even go off on tangents when talking, making it difficult for others to follow their lead.
It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and act as swiftly as you can. For women, this can be an "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their difficulties and help them accept themselves more fully. It can also help them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This could be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
As girls and women develop into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their personal and professional lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it difficult to deal with adult demands like managing finances and 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 could result in gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which can lead to women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options for ADHD both in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. I Am Psychiatry are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. Your healthcare professional may also suggest a combination treatment to address related conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, like group fitness or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also an essential element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
We use the words "girls", "women" and "womens" to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. This is to ensure clearer and more consistent terminology across our content and to reduce confusion for our readers. 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 sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content.
Support
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. This is because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to recognize. They may also have symptoms that are less apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is crucial for women who typically come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies may include healthy activities like maintaining a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls. But they can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may experience anxiety, depressed, overwhelmed, and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress.
Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem or other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They could also become more dependent on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during adolescence. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexual activities that are not desired, and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also get therapy, individually or in a partnership. This can help them learn to recognize their issues and build more positive internal dialogs. It will also help them improve their relationships.
Support services can include programs specifically designed for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD maintain their jobs, manage their household responsibilities, and take care of their children.