Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause many issues for women and girls. They may feel unsatisfied at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They also tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
Although research has proven that ADHD affects both men and boys at a higher rate than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. It's important that adults with ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or forgotten.
As girls and women develop into adults, they frequently still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing their finances or keeping the house clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem in the long run, and they might blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic disorder unlike other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women are more likely to hide their symptoms by using coping techniques, but they often result in a negative effect. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically include being impulsive or forgetful, losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work, and having 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's important for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to consider whether the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their problems.
It's also critical that people with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical background to rule out other conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem, and difficulties with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues like chronic stress or tics.
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because they aren't taken seriously by family members, teachers or friends. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s, and are having difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, and they can have issues 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 can develop coping mechanisms that disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less well-known. This means that their problems with concentration, organisation and impulsivity may go unnoticed for years.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify their symptoms. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. adhd in women adult may be worsened because of hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. This means it is often difficult to talk about their struggles and seek help. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or communicate with others. They might miss social events, 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 them.
In these circumstances, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and take action immediately. For women, this can be a "lightbulb moment" that gives them an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It can also assist women to focus on their strength and adopt steps to improve their life management abilities. This could be beneficial to 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. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance. They can result in feelings of anxiety and frustration. They can also make it harder to handle the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping a 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. This can result in gender stereotypes about the disorder. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by the society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. The first choice is stimulant medications, however nonstimulants may also be effective for certain individuals. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.
In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, are particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause 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 the gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To ensure that our content is more uniform and clear and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. This article applies to all people who were assigned male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually-exclusive, and welcome all our readers.
Support
Women and those who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD, are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to determine. There are also signs that aren't apparent to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly crucial for women, who frequently develop coping strategies that allow them to feel normal and conform to social norms. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions, such as making daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. However, they can also be harmful such as binge eating or a drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and may have relationship issues and chronic stress.
Women and girls with ADHD can experience low self-esteem and other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to the avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls as well as women who suffer from ADHD might be at a greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This is due to insanity, poor organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are also more susceptible to being pushed into unintentional sexual activity and they can be at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of.
As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek out therapy whether on their own or with a partner. This will help them to identify their struggles and build more positive internal dialogues. This will also help improve their relationships.
Support services could also include specialized programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.