Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel unsatisfied 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 recognize and treat them.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as people age. It's crucial that those who suffer from ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored.
As girls and women mature into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their self-esteem and mental health in the long run, and they might blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic condition, unlike some other mental disorders. Women and girls are prone to mask their symptoms with coping strategies, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being impulsive or forgetful in the sense of losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention in class or work and trouble with daily routines like meal planning, 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 different ways women and girls present with ADHD and to consider whether the presence of anxiety or depression is the cause of their struggles.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. They can look at their symptoms, medical history and rule out other illnesses. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems such as anxiety or chronic stress.
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. 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 poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are treated for ADHD or they do not 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 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 can also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as frequently. This means that their issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity can remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. For instance, they might struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. It can be difficult for these people to talk about their problems and ask for help. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or communicate with others. They might not attend social events, fail to turn to appointments, and are unable to discern body language or pick up on the non-verbal signals of others. They may even go off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to follow them.
In these circumstances, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and get it as soon as you can. It could be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It also allows to identify their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive effect on their personal, professional and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional lives of girls and women as they reach adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They can make it difficult to deal with adult demands, like managing finances and keeping a 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 result in stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by the society.
Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for ADHD both in girls and women. A licensed health professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for some people. Additionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your doctor to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other mood disorders that are common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are especially beneficial.
Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can help improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships.
We use the words "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was established at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to all individuals who were male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. 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 female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD, are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that are less obvious to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization, instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This masking is important for women who often come up with strategies to help them feel normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies may include healthy activities like maintaining a daily schedule or setting phone reminders. They can also be harmful like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress.
adhd symptoms for women that girls and women with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or somatic complaints like abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can lead to being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to assist them with their daily tasks. This could lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be at greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This could be due to an impulsive nature, inadequate planning, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into unwanted sexual activities, and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults can benefit from medications to treat symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek help from a therapist in a couple or on their own with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It will help them improve their relationships.
Support services may also include coaching for parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and household responsibilities, and care for children.