Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for women and girls. They may feel inadequate at work, experience difficulties in relationships with peers or suffer from anxiety and depression.
They also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to cover their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people age. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or forgotten.
As girls and women grow into adults, they frequently still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they might blame themselves for their troubles.
Contrary to other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a chronic condition. Women and girls are prone to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies however, these strategies often fail. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as the inability to remember things or being oblivious, having trouble paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble in daily routines such as meal planning, scheduling, or laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways women and girls present with ADHD and to determine if anxiety or depression are contributing to their difficulties.
It's important that people with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms and medical history, and rule out other illnesses. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and issues with relationships and social interaction. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like chronic stress or tics.
Many women and girls with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They may not believe that their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance or they might believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style, low self-esteem or other external factors. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 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 detected. 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 and make them less well-known. This means that their issues with organisation, concentration and impulsivity can go unnoticed for years.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify the signs. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, like anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This is often by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and problems with relationships. It can be difficult for these people to openly discuss their issues and seek assistance. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also normal for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with other people. They may miss social gatherings, fail to show up for appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They may even go off on tangents during conversations, making it difficult for others to follow them.
It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and take action as quickly as you can. For women, this could be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also assist them focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive effect on their personal, professional and family lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to manage adult demands, such as managing finances and keeping a 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. adhd in older women can result in gender stereotypes about the disorder. Females and females might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being judged by the society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. The first choice is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants are also effective for some people. Your healthcare professional may also recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders.
In addition to medication lifestyle changes can also help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, and 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 important component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and modify negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to the gender at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. However, this article also applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content.
Support
Women and people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that aren't evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly important for women, who often develop coping mechanisms that help them feel normal and fulfill the expectations of society. These coping strategies could include healthy activities such as setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily calendar. However, they can also be unhealthy like excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
The challenges that women and girls with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to being unable to attend school, work or social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents to help with everyday tasks. This can result in an unhealthy cycle of dependence and dependence on others that's hard to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with non-consensual partners in the adolescent years. This could be due to insanity, poor organization, or the inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and can be at greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
As adults, women suffering from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek out therapy, either individually or with partners. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships.
Support services could also include specialized programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, take care of their home responsibilities and care for their children.