Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel unable at work, struggle with relationships with peers and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They also do better at developing strategies to manage 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 frequently than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. It is crucial that people with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten.
As girls and women mature into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances and keeping their home clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their self-esteem and mental health, because they blame themselves for their problems.
ADHD is a chronic disorder and is not like other mental disorders. Girls and women tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope, but they often fail to work. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as forgetfulness or being absentminded, having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulty with daily routines, such as food planning, scheduling, or laundry. 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 different 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's also critical that people with ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out other issues. Some people with ADHD have mental health issues like depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like tics or chronic stress.
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They might not think their problems are serious enough problem to seek assistance, or they may believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style, low self-esteem or other external factors. In some instances, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they don't receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and have major difficulties with daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They can also face challenges if it is discovered. 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 and make them less visible. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be overlooked over a number of time.
Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms harder to recognize. They can also have co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, like anxiety and depression. They may be unable to control their emotions. This may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. It can be difficult for those with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and seek assistance. This can delay the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and interacting with others. They might miss social engagements and fail to show on time for appointments, and fail to read body language or pick up on other people's nonverbal cues. They may even go off on tangents when talking which makes it difficult for others to follow them.
It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as you can. For women, this may be an "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It also allows them focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
As girls and women grow into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance. They can cause frustration and low confidence. They can also make it difficult for people to deal with adult demands, such as managing finances and keeping your 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 stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Females and females may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. add test for women are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for certain people. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment to treat related disorders, such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also a crucial component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) instead of a person's affirmed gender identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among our readers, we use this terminology. This article applies to all individuals who were assigned male at birth, including transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Women and those who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) and suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. This is because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to recognize. There are also signs that seem less obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This masking is essential for women who typically develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions like keeping daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. But they could also be harmful such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. They may also have relationship issues and chronic stress.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem and other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to being unable to attend school, work, or social activities. They may also become dependent on their parents for helping them with daily tasks. This could lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual companions during the adolescent years. This could be due impulsivity, poor planning, or an inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also receive therapy on their own or in partnership. This can help them learn to recognize their issues and develop more positive internal dialogues. It will aid them in improving their relationships.
add test for women could include programs specifically designed for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD keep their jobs, handle their household responsibilities, and take care of their children.