Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to a variety of problems for women and girls. They may feel unprepared at work, experience difficulties in social relationships, or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They also have a better chance of developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to identify and treat them.
Signs and symptoms
Although research has proven that ADHD affects men and boys more often than girls and women but the gap between genders narrows as people get older. This is why it's critical that those suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or ostracized as they grow older.
As girls and women develop into adults, they frequently remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing their finances or keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their confidence in themselves and mental health, because they blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic disorder and is not like other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, but they often fail to work. Additionally, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can manifest as inattention or forgetfulness, having trouble paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble in daily routines such as meal 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 for healthcare professionals to be aware of the different ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to think about whether comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their problems.
It's also critical that people with ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional who can assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety as well as low self-esteem and problems with relationships and social interaction. It is also common for adults with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they're not taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They may not believe that their problems are serious enough issue to seek help or they might believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, among other external factors. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s, and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and may face challenges when it does happen. 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 cope with their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as much. This means that their problems with organisation, concentration and impulsivity could go unnoticed for years.
Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms harder to detect. Additionally, they may suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives including depression and anxiety. For example, they can struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
A variety of these issues can cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. 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 common for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with other people. They may miss social events and fail to show to appointments, and are unable to read body language or recognize other people's nonverbal cues. They may also be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up.
It is crucial to receive a proper diagnose and act as fast as you can. For women, this could be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their difficulties and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also help women to focus on their strengths and to make changes to improve their life management skills. This could be beneficial to their family, work and personal lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
As girls and women develop into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance and result in anxiety and a lack of confidence. They may also make it harder to cope with the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping your home organized 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. signs of add in adult women can result in gender stereotypes about the disorder. adhd symptoms in women test and women might then conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. The medications regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for certain people. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions, such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
In addition to medication lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, and 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 especially beneficial.
Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also helpful in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to provide the use of a more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to make it easier for readers. This article applies to all those who were assigned males at birth, which includes transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content.
Support
Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and suffer from 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 recognize. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is particularly important for women, who often develop coping mechanisms that make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These coping mechanisms can include healthy things like setting phone reminders or keeping a schedule for the day. But they could also be harmful, such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and they could suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
Girls and women with ADHD can experience low self-esteem and other symptoms such as anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoiding school or work, as well as social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents for helping them with their daily tasks. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent period. This is due to impulsivity, poor organization, or inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into unintentional sexual activity and they are at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of.
Women with ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also get therapy, individually or in a group. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This will also help improve their relationships.
Support services can also include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home, and care for children.