Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause various issues for women and girls. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle in social relationships or suffer from anxiety and depression.
They also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to conceal their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as people age. This is why it's critical that those suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or abandoned when they reach the age of adulthood.
As girls and women grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances, keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health because they blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic disorder, unlike some other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope, but they often backfire. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can be characterized by forgetfulness or being absentminded or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties in daily routines such as scheduling meals, meal planning or doing laundry. 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 girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to determine if the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their difficulties.
It is also essential that those with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. It's also normal for people with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. They may not believe that their problems are a serious enough to seek help or may think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They also may have issues 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, which can result in them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity could be overlooked over a number of time.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect the symptoms. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring conditions that impact their life management skills including anxiety and depression. They may be unable to manage their emotions. This may be worsened due to hormonal changes during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
A variety of these issues can cause a loss of self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to talk about their problems and seek help. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with other people. They may miss social gatherings, fail to show up for appointments, and have difficulty reading body language. They may also be prone to going off on tangents when they're talking, making it harder for others to keep up.
It is essential to get a proper diagnose and take action as quickly as possible. For women, this could be a "lightbulb moment" that gives them an external explanation for their difficulties and help them accept their own uniqueness. adult add in women can also help women to focus on their strength and take steps to improve life management skills. This could be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal lives of women and girls as they reach adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance. They can cause anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can also make it difficult to handle the demands of adult life including managing finances, keeping a home clean and in good 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 stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Women and girls might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being judged by the society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. Stimulant drugs are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for some people. In addition, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your doctor to treat related issues like depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Group activities, like group fitness or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial to 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, and not to the person's gender identity. This is to facilitate the use of a more consistent and clear language across our content, and to avoid confusion for readers. However, this article also applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB), and to transgender people and nonbinary people. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to identify. They might also exhibit symptoms that aren't evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is essential for women who often develop coping strategies to be normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy activities such as setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a schedule for the day. They can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and they could suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem or other symptoms like anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to being unable to attend school or work activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with daily tasks. This can lead to an addiction and reliance that is hard to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This can be caused by impulsivity, poor organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and may be at a higher risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also receive therapy, individually or in partnership. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. This will also help improve their relationships.
Support services could include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to work and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.