Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often face many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their daily lives. They may feel unable at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They also do better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls but the gap between genders narrows as people age. This is why it's critical that those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or unloved as they grow older.
As women and girls grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances and keeping their home clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may blame themselves for their troubles.
ADHD is a chronic disorder, unlike some other mental disorders. Girls and women are more likely to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope, but they often result in a negative effect. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious or having trouble paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble in daily routines such as food planning, scheduling or washing. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the many ways women and girls can be diagnosed with ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues.
It is also essential that those with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who can assess their symptoms and medical background to rule out other medical conditions. Certain people with ADHD have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression as well as low self-esteem and difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues, such as chronic stress or tics.
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they're not considered serious by teachers, family or friends. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or do not receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often 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 may develop coping mechanisms that disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less noticed. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity could go unnoticed for years.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify the signs. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. For instance, they might find it hard to control their emotions, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
A variety of these issues can contribute to a lack of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and ask for help. This can result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with others. They may skip social gatherings, or not show up for appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They could even wander off on tangents during conversations, making it difficult for others to follow them.
It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and act as fast as you can. For women, this may be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also assist them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive impact on their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal lives of women and girls as they enter adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it harder to manage the demands of adult life, such as managing finances, keeping your home tidy and 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. adhd traits in women can result in gender stereotypes about the disorder. Females and females might then conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by the society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options available for ADHD both in girls and women. Medicines control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for some people. Additionally, a combination of treatments might be recommended by your doctor to treat related disorders like depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are particularly helpful.
Therapy is also an important component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
We employ the words "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender assigned at birth, not to the person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is more consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among our readers we use this term. This article applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content.
Support
Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. This is because girls and women tend to hide symptoms, making it harder for doctors to determine. There are also signs that are less apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is especially important for women, who often develop coping strategies that allow them to feel normal and fulfill the expectations of society. These strategies of coping can include healthy actions like keeping daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. They could also be harmful, like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. They may also suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem and other symptoms like depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to the avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with daily tasks. This can lead to an environment of dependency and dependence on others that is difficult to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This could be due impulsivity, poor planning, or a failure to utilize contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at higher risk for domestic violence and sexual exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek out therapy whether on their own or with an individual or with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships.
Support services can also include coaching for parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD maintain their jobs, handle their household responsibilities, and care for their children.