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 inadequate at work, have difficulty in relationships with peers or suffer from depression and anxiety.
They are also better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys more frequently than girls and women but the gap between genders narrows as people age. This is why it's vital that those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or unloved as they grow older.
As girls and women develop into adults, they typically still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they might blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic condition, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls are prone to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope however, these strategies often fail. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded, losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention in classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines like 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 is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the many ways women and girls present with ADHD and to think about whether the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their difficulties.
It's also critical that people who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out other issues. For example, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem, and difficulties with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues, such as tics or chronic stress.
Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. Or they may think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They can also 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 develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms which allows them to be less noticed. This means that their problems with concentration, organisation and impulsivity may remain unnoticed for a long time.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, such as anxiety and depression. They may have difficulty to control their emotions. This may be worsened due to hormonal changes during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and issues with relationships. As a result, it is often difficult to talk about their issues and seek assistance. This can lead to delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with other people. They might not attend social events, fail to turn on time for appointments, and fail to discern body language or pick up on the non-verbal signals of others. They may even wander off on tangents when talking and make it difficult for others to follow them.
For these reasons, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and get it as soon as you can. For women, this may be a "lightbulb moment" that can give them an external explanation for their difficulties and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It can also help them to focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management skills. This can positively impact their work, family and personal lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal life of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance. They can cause feelings of anxiety and frustration. They may also make it difficult to manage 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, in turn, can lead to gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which can result in women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD for both genders. The medications regulate brain activity and help manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for certain people. In addition, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your physician to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are especially beneficial.
Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.
We use the terms "girls", "women", and "womens" to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, rather than to the person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is clear and consistent and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. This article applies to all individuals who were assigned males at birth, including transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our website.
Support
Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. It's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that aren't apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is important for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities such as maintaining a daily schedule or setting reminders on phones. But they can also be unhealthy like binge eating or a drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
add test for women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms like depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoidance of school and work, or social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents for help with daily tasks. This can create an addiction and reliance that is hard to break.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This could be due to the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or an inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.
As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also seek out therapy in a couple or on their own with a partner. This can help them learn to understand their challenges and create more positive internal dialogs. It will also help them improve their relationships.
Support services can also include special programs 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 maintain their jobs, handle their home responsibilities and care for their children.