Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys at a higher rate than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. This is why it's critical that those suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or abandoned as they grow older.
As women and girls grow into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they might blame themselves for their troubles.
ADHD is a chronic disorder, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to mask symptoms with coping techniques, but they often fail to work. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
adhd in women checklist -type ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded, losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention during classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines like laundry, meal planning or scheduling. 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 present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms and medical history, and rule out other conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like anxiety or chronic stress.
Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They may not think that their problems are serious enough problem to seek assistance, or they may believe their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment 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 typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They also may be faced with challenges if recognized. 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 coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity might be unnoticed for a period of time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify their symptoms. Moreover, they can suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives like depression and anxiety. They may have difficulty to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Many of these conditions can cause a loss of self-esteem and problems with relationships. As a result, it can be difficult for them to speak up about their struggles and seek help. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with others. They may skip social events, not show up for appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up.
In these circumstances, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and take action immediately. This could be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It can also help them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This could have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
As girls and women develop into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their personal and professional lives. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to manage adult demands like managing finances, 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 create gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which can result in women and girls suppressing or denying their own symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. Medications control brain activity and to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first option is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants may also be effective for certain individuals. Your healthcare professional may also suggest a combination therapy to address related conditions like anxiety or depressive disorders.
Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial.
Therapy is also an essential element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify and change negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender assigned at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. To make our content more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. adhd traits in women is because girls and women tend to hide symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to determine. They may also have symptoms that aren't apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly important for women, who frequently develop coping mechanisms that make them feel comfortable and conform to social norms. These strategies of coping can include healthy actions like making daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. But they could also be harmful such as binge eating or a drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and they could be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress.
The challenges women and girls who suffer from ADHD confront can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can lead to avoidance of school and work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. That can create a cycle of dependency and reliance on others that is difficult to break.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with non-consensual partners in adolescence. This could be due to an impulsive nature, inadequate planning, or a lack of ability to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also receive therapy, individually or in a group. This can help them to recognize their issues and build more positive internal dialogs. It will help them improve their relationships.
Support services could also include special programs for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to maintain jobs and household responsibilities and take care of children.