Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for women and girls. They may feel unprepared at work, struggle in relationships with peers or experience depression and anxiety.
They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to conceal their ADHD symptoms, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as people get older. It's crucial that those with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten.
As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances or keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may blame themselves for their issues.
Unlike some other mental disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often backfire. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious, having trouble paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulty with 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 different ways that girls and women suffer from ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety is contributing to these difficulties.
It is crucial that those with ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. They can assess their symptoms and medical history, and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and trouble with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health problems such as chronic stress or tics.
Many girls and women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because they aren't taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They might not think their issues are serious enough to seek help or they might believe their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, among other external factors. 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 their 50s, and are experiencing problems with daily life.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can be faced with challenges 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 may also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as often. 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 suffer from high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms harder to recognize. Additionally, they may suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their life management skills, such as anxiety and depression. They may be unable to control their emotions. This may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. In the end, it is often difficult to talk about their challenges and seek assistance. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with others. They may skip social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and have trouble understanding body language. They might even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them.
In these circumstances, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and get it immediately. For women, this can be a "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation of their problems and help them accept themselves more fully. It can also assist them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This could positively impact their personal, professional and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
adhd in adult women treatment
As women and girls develop into adults untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, and result in feelings of anxiety and frustration. They can also make it more difficult to handle the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping a home clean and in good 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. Females and females might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. The medications regulate brain activity and to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be beneficial for certain people. Additionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your healthcare professional to treat related disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce stress and anxiety. 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 identify and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in 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) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. This is to provide more consistent and clear language across our content, and to reduce confusion for readers. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender people and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually-exclusive, and welcome all our readers.
Support
Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. They may also have symptoms that aren't obvious to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is especially important for women, who typically develop coping strategies that allow them to feel normal and meet societal expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy actions like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. However, they could also be harmful such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress.
Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem, or other symptoms like depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoidance of school or work activities. They could also become dependent on their parents for helping them with their daily tasks. This can lead to a cycle of dependency and reliance on others that's hard to break.
As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into unwanted sexual activities, and may be at a higher risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also seek help from a therapist in a couple or on their own with an individual or with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It will also help them improve their relationships.
Support services could also include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or parenting. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, manage their responsibilities at home and take care of their children.
