Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression.
They are also better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Signs and symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as we age. This is why it's critical that people suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or abandoned when they reach the age of adulthood.
As girls and women grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing their finances or keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may 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 for coping however, these strategies often fail. In addition, hormonal changes during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention in classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines like laundry, meal planning or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the various ways that girls and women suffer from ADHD, and consider whether depression or anxiety is contributing to these difficulties.
It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms and medical history, and rule out any other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD also have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems such as tics or chronic stress.
Many girls and women who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing problems with daily life.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They may 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 also have strategies to cope with their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as often. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity could be ignored for a long time.
Women are also more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. Moreover, they can have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their life, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and issues with relationships. This means it is often difficult to talk about their issues and seek assistance. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They might miss social events, not attend appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it harder for others to keep up.
It's important to get a proper diagnosis and get it as soon as possible. This can be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also aid women to focus on their strengths and take steps to improve life management abilities. This can positively impact their work, family and personal lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal lives of women and girls as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and result in feelings of anxiety and frustration. They can also make it more difficult to manage the demands of adult life including 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 could result in gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This could lead to women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms to avoid getting stigmatized by society.
There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The first choice is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants may also be effective for certain people. Your doctor might suggest a combination treatment to treat related disorders such as anxiety or depressive disorders.
Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also an essential element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people recognize and alter negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. To make our content more consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among our readers we use this term. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Women and people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and suffer from 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 seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This is particularly important for women, who typically develop coping mechanisms that make them feel comfortable and conform to social norms. These coping mechanisms can include healthy actions like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. They can also be harmful such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and they could be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress.
The challenges that girls and women with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss, anxiety, depression, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to avoiding school or work, as well as social activities. They could also become more dependent on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This can lead to an addiction and reliance that is hard to break.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This could be due the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a lack of ability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexually inappropriate activities and may be at a higher risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
As adults, women who suffer from ADHD can often benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also receive therapy on their own or in a partnership. add women can help them to recognize their issues and create more positive internal dialogs. This can also help improve their relationships.
Support services could include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, handle their household responsibilities, and look after their children.