Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls are often faced with a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their daily lives. They may feel unable at work, have difficulty with relationships with peers and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They also have a better chance of developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Signs and symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than girls and women, the gender gap narrows as people get older. It's important that adults with ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or ignored.
As girls and women grow into adults, they frequently still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances and keeping their home clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their confidence in themselves and mental health, as they blame themselves for their problems.
ADHD is a chronic condition and is not like other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies for coping however, these strategies often fail. Additionally, hormonal changes during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded in the sense of losing track of time, difficulties paying attention in class or work and trouble with daily routines such as 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 is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways women and girls can suffer from ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties.
It is also essential that those who suffer from ADHD be assessed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional who can assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other issues. adult add women with ADHD also have mental health issues like anxiety or depression or low self-esteem, as well as issues in social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues, such as chronic stress or tics.
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their teachers, families or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood, and they can face 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 develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, allowing them to be less noticed. This means that their issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the symptoms. Additionally, they may suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as anxiety and depression. For instance, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. It can be difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and ask for help. This can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and engaging with other people. They might not attend social events and fail to show up for appointments and can't discern body language or read the non-verbal signals of others. They may even wander off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to follow them.
It's important to get a proper diagnosis and get it as soon as you can. For women, this could be an "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their difficulties and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also help them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management skills. This could have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, resulting in anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to deal with adult demands, such as managing finances, keeping your home in order 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 lead to gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being judged by the society.
There are, thankfully, effective treatments available for ADHD in women and girls. Medications control 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 healthcare professional may also suggest a combination therapy to treat related conditions such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus, and also reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also helpful in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships.
We employ the terms "girls", "women" and "womens" to refer to the gender that was established at birth, rather than to the 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 people who were assigned male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to spot. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is important for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and to meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy activities such as making phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. However, they can also be harmful such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and they could suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
The challenges that women and girls with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These issues can cause being unable to attend school or work activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to assist them with their daily chores. This can create a cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be at greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This could be due to an impulsive nature, inadequate planning, or an inability to use contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual activity, and are at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women with ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also seek therapy either on their own or in a partnership. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. adhd in women adults can also help them improve their relationships.
Support services could also include special programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to work and household responsibilities and take care of children.