Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for women and girls. They may feel unprepared at work, experience difficulties in social relationships or suffer from anxiety and depression.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, which makes it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as people get older. It's crucial that those who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or ignored.
As girls and women grow into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health as they blame themselves for their troubles.
ADHD is a chronic disorder unlike other mental disorders. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies for coping, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes 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 in class, and having difficulty with daily routines, such as scheduling meals, meal planning, or laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. adhd traits in women is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the many ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to determine if the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their problems.
It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and trouble with social interactions and relationships. It's also common for adults with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia.
Many women and girls with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by teachers, family or friends. They may not think that their problems are serious enough issue to seek help or they might believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, among other external factors. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s, and are having difficulty with daily living activities.
Diagnosis
Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, and they can 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 coping strategies that mask their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be overlooked over a number of years.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the signs. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives like depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
A variety of these issues can result in a low self-esteem and issues with relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to discuss their problems and ask for assistance. This can lead to delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also normal for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with others. They may miss social gatherings, or not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty reading body language. They may also be inclined to go off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up with them.
It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis and act as swiftly as you can. This can be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also help them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management skills. This can positively impact their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.
Treatment
As girls and women grow into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their professional and personal lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to manage adult demands, such as 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 lead to gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which can lead to women and girls suppressing or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed healthcare professional is able to prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for certain people. In addition, a mix of treatments may be recommended by your healthcare professional to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are especially beneficial.
Therapy is also a crucial element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) instead of a person's affirmed gender identity. To make our content more clear and consistent and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. This article applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content.
Support
Women and those who were assigned females at birth (AFAB), with ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to identify. They might also exhibit symptoms that aren't apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization, instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is especially important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and fulfill the expectations of society. These coping strategies may include healthy activities, such as making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. They could also be harmful, like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and they could suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
The challenges women and girls with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These issues can cause the avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help with daily tasks. This can result in an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's difficult to break.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual companions during adolescence. This could be due to insanity, poor organization, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into unwanted sexual activities, and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
As adults, women who suffer from ADHD can often benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also receive therapy either on their own or in a group. This can help them learn to identify their struggles and create more positive internal dialogs. This can also aid in improving their relationships.
Support services could include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women with ADHD keep their jobs, take care of their responsibilities at home and look after their children.