Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women often face a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their lives. They may feel incompetent at work, struggle with peer relationships, or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They are also better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to identify and treat them.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as people age. It is crucial that people with ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or forgotten.
As girls and women grow into adults, they often remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their problems.
ADHD is a chronic condition, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls are prone to mask their symptoms with strategies for coping, but these often backfire. 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 can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious, having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties with daily routines, such as scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. women and adhd -impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to determine if anxiety or depression are the cause of their struggles.
It's also critical that people who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will evaluate their symptoms and medical history to rule out other issues. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties with social interactions and relationships. It is also common for people with ADHD to have other health issues that are co-occurring such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They may not believe that their issues are serious enough issue to seek help, or they may believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, among other external factors. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are treated for ADHD or don't receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having major difficulties with daily activities.
adhd in older women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They may also face challenges if it is 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 may develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms which allows them to be less well-known. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration, and impulsivity may go unnoticed over a period of time.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives including anxiety and depression. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these conditions may lead to low self-esteem or relationship issues. In the end, it isn't easy for them to speak up about their challenges and seek assistance. This can result in delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with other people. They may skip social events, not attend appointments, and have trouble reading body language. They may also be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up with them.
It is essential to get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as possible. This could be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It also allows them to focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This could have a positive effect on their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
As women and girls develop into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of anxiety and frustration. They may also make it harder to cope with 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, in turn, can result in gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This could lead to women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are adhd in women treatment for ADHD in women and girls. The medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your doctor to treat related issues like depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and also reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, like group fitness or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of a person's affirmed gender identity. To make our content more consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to all those who were male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. 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 go undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. It's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose. They might also exhibit symptoms that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is particularly crucial for women, who often create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and fulfill the expectations of society. These coping mechanisms can include healthy actions like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily schedule. They can also be harmful like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. They may also suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
The difficulties that women and girls who suffer from ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to avoiding school and work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This can result in an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's difficult to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during adolescence. This could be due to an impulsive nature, inadequate planning, or a failure to utilize contraception. They are also more susceptible to being pushed into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at higher risk for domestic violence and exploitation.
As adults, women with ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy in a couple or on their own with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It can aid them in improving their relationships.
Support services may also include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized 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 care for children.