Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls

Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to various issues for girls and women. They may feel unable at work, have difficulty with peer relationships and suffer from anxiety or depression.

They also do better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat them.

Symptoms

The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people age. It is crucial that people who suffer from 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 have trouble managing 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 problems.

Contrary to other mental disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope however, these strategies often fail. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically include being impulsive or forgetful in the sense of losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention during classes or at work, and having 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's important for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to think about whether comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their problems.

It's also crucial that people who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who can examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety 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 like chronic stress or tics.

Many girls and women suffering from adhd in young women aren't diagnosed because they're not considered serious by teachers, family or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s, and are having problems with daily life.

Diagnosis

Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They may also 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 which allows them to be less well-known. It is possible that girls' issues with concentration, organization and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of years.

Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the symptoms. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their life, such as anxiety and depression. For instance, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, and this can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.

Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and problems with relationships. It can be difficult for those with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and ask for help. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with other people. They may miss social events, not attend appointments, and have trouble understanding body language. They might even wander off on tangents while talking which makes it difficult for others to follow them.

For these reasons, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and take action as soon as you can. It could be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It can also assist women to focus on their strength and make changes to improve their life management abilities. This can be beneficial to their work, family and personal lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.

Treatment

Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration. They may also make it more difficult to handle the demands of adulthood, such as managing finances, keeping a home tidy 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 also try to hide or suppress their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by the society.

There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed health professional can prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for certain people. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment to treat related conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed add in adult women groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial.

Therapy is also an essential element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.

At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To make our content more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and welcome all our readers.

Support

Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed adhd in adult women or have a misdiagnosis than men. This is because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to determine. There are also signs that aren't evident to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.

This masking is especially important for women, who frequently develop coping strategies that help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities such as making daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. They can also be harmful like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.

The challenges girls and women who suffer from women's adhd self assessment, Metooo noted, face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can lead to avoidance of school, work or social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to assist them with their daily tasks. This could lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break.

Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual companions during the adolescent period. This is due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or the inability to use contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and they are at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of.

As adults, women who suffer from ADHD can often benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, either individually or with an individual or with a partner. This will help them to understand their challenges and create more positive internal dialogues. It can aid them in improving their relationships.

Support services may include programs specifically designed for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, manage their home responsibilities and take care of their children.