Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to various issues for girls and women. They may feel unprepared at work, struggle with peer relationships or experience depression and anxiety.
They are also better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat them.
Symptoms
Although research has proven that ADHD affects men and boys more often than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people get older. It's important that adults with ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or ignored.
As girls and women grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. adhd in older women can affect their self-esteem and mental health in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their troubles.
ADHD is a chronic condition and is not like other mental disorders. Girls and women are more likely to cover up their symptoms using coping techniques, but they often fail to work. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as forgetfulness or being absentminded or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties with daily routines like scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the many ways girls and women present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can look at their symptoms and medical history, and rule out other illnesses. For instance, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and trouble with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems such as chronic stress or tics.
Many women and girls who have ADHD aren't diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They might not think their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance or they might believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. In some cases women and girls with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they do not receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and have significant difficulty with day-to-day living activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can be faced with 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 problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity could go unnoticed for years.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. Additionally, they may have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their life including depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, and this can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. This means it can be difficult for them to open up about their issues and seek help. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to form friendships or interact with other people. They may skip social events, not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They might even be inclined to go off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up with them.
It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and take action as quickly 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 can also help them to 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. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, and result in anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can make it difficult to cope with adult demands like managing finances and maintaining a clean home, 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 gender stereotypes about the disorder. Females and females may then suppress or hide their symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are, thankfully, effective treatments available for ADHD for girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for certain people. Your doctor might suggest a combination therapy to address related conditions like anxiety or depressive disorders.
Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Group activities, like group fitness or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients recognize and alter negative habits of thinking that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
We employ the words "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was established at birth, not to a person's gender identity. This is to ensure clearer and more consistent language across our content, and to avoid confusion for our readers. This article applies to all those who were male at birth, which includes transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize 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 go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. It's because girls and women tend to hide symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose. There are also signs that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization, instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is essential for women who often come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities such as making daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. They can also be unhealthy like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may have relationship issues and chronic stress.
The challenges women and girls who suffer from ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school or work activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents to assistance with their daily tasks. This can lead to an addiction and reliance that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls as well as women who suffer from ADHD may be at greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This can be due to the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or an inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of.
Women with ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also receive therapy on their own or in a partnership. This can help them to understand their challenges and develop more positive internal dialogs. This can also help improve their relationships.
Support services can also include coaching for parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to work and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.