Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls often face many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their daily lives. They may feel incompetent at work, have difficulty in relationships with peers, or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They also tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys at a higher rate than women and girls but the gap between genders narrows as people get older. It is crucial that people with ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or forgotten.
As girls and women mature into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with 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 issues.
In contrast to other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a lifelong condition. Girls and women are more likely to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, but they often fail to work. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD can include inattention or forgetfulness or having trouble paying attention in classes, and having trouble in daily routines such as food planning, scheduling or doing laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the various ways women and girls can present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties.
It's also critical that people with ADHD be assessed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional who can assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as issues with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues, such as anxiety or chronic stress.
Many women and girls with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they aren't taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or are not diagnosed until they're in their 40s or 50s and have major difficulties with daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They also may be faced with challenges if discovered. 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 visible. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be unnoticed for a period of time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect the symptoms. Moreover, they can have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their lives including depression and anxiety. For instance, they may find it hard to control their moods, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
signs of add in adult women of these issues can lead to low self-esteem or relationship issues. This means it isn't easy for them to speak up about their struggles and seek help. This can lead to delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with others. They may skip social events, not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty reading body language. They may even be prone to going off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up.
It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as fast as you can. It could be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them recognize their struggles and accept themselves better. It also allows them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This could positively impact their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.
Treatment
As girls and women grow into adults untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, leading to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also make it more difficult to cope with the demands of adult life, such as managing finances, keeping your home organized 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 stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Girls and women may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by the society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD for both genders. A licensed healthcare professional is able to prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. The first choice is stimulant medication, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment to address related conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders.
Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also an essential part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
We use the terms "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was established at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among our readers we use this term. This article is applicable to all those who were male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers.
Support
Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that aren't apparent to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is especially important for women, who often create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy things like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. But they can also be unhealthy like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress.
The difficulties that girls and women with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to being unable to attend school or work activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents to help with everyday tasks. This could lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that is hard to break.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This can be due to impulsivity, poor planning, or a lack of ability to use contraception. They are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activities, and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
As adults, women who suffer from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also get therapy on their own or in a partnership. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It can help them improve their relationships.
Support services could also include special programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.