Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause many issues for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty in relationships with peers or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as we age. It's important that adults with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored.
As women and girls grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances or keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health as they blame themselves for their problems.
Unlike some 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 that can backfire, but they often do. Additionally, hormonal changes during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause could make it harder 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 class, and having difficulties with daily routines, such as scheduling meals, meal planning 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 many ways girls and women suffer from ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety is contributing to these difficulties.
It is also essential that those with ADHD be evaluated by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who will examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other issues. For instance, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem, and difficulties with relationships and social interactions. It's also common for adults with ADHD to have other health issues that are co-occurring such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.
Many girls and women with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they aren't taken seriously by teachers, family or friends. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s, and are having problems with daily life.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, and they can have issues when it does occur. 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 disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less noticed. This means that their issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity could be ignored for a long time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize their symptoms. There are also co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Many of these issues result in a low self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and seek help. This can delay the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with others. They may miss social events or fail to show on time for appointments, and fail to discern body language or pick up on other people's nonverbal signals. They might even be inclined to go off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them.
It's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and act as soon as you can. For women, this can be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation of their problems and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also assist women to focus on their strength and adopt steps to improve their life management abilities. This could positively impact their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
As women and girls develop into adults untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it difficult to manage the demands of adult life like 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 result in gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Women and girls might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be beneficial for certain people. In addition, a combination of treatments could be suggested by your doctor to treat related issues such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to medications lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other mood issues that are common among people with ADHD. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be especially beneficial.
Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial in improving communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
We employ the terms "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was established at birth, and not to a person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. This article is applicable to all those who were male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually-exclusive, and welcome all our readers.
Support
Women and those who were assigned females at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. This is because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to spot. There are also signs that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
I Am Psychiatry is especially important for women, who typically develop coping strategies that make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These coping mechanisms can include healthy actions like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a schedule for the day. However, they can also be unhealthy such as binge eating or a drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. They may also have relationship issues and chronic stress.
The difficulties that girls and women with ADHD confront can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause the avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents for helping them with their daily chores. That can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance on others that is difficult to break.
As they grow older, girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be at a greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This is due to insanity, poor organization, or a failure to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Women with ADHD who are adults may benefit from medications to treat symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also seek therapy either on their own or in a partnership. This can help them to identify their struggles and develop more positive internal dialogues. This can also aid in improving their relationships.
Support services could include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.