Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls are often faced with a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their lives. They may feel unable at work, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression.
They also tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys more frequently than girls and women, the gender gap narrows as people get older. This is why it's vital that people with ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or ostracized when they reach adulthood.
As girls and women grow into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their confidence in themselves and mental health, because they blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic illness, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women tend to mask their symptoms with strategies for coping however, these strategies often fail. In addition, hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can include inattention or forgetfulness and having difficulty paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulties with daily routines, such as meal planning, scheduling, or laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the many ways women and girls can present with ADHD and think about whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues.
It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can look at their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. It's also common for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.
Many women and girls with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by their teachers, families or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s, and are having difficulty with daily living activities.
Diagnosis
Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can face challenges when it does happen. 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 also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might go unnoticed over a period of time.
Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms harder to detect. Furthermore, they could suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. This means it isn't easy for them to open up about their challenges and seek help. This could lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They might not attend social events or fail to show to appointments, and are unable to discern body language or read other people's nonverbal cues. They may even go off on tangents when talking, making it difficult for others to follow them.
It's important to get a proper diagnosis and act as soon as possible. This can be a "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them recognize their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It also allows them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management skills. This can have a positive effect on their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional lives of girls and women as they reach adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also make it difficult to handle the demands of adulthood 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 can create gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which can lead to women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are a variety of effective treatment options for ADHD both in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. Your doctor might suggest a combination treatment to address related conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.
In addition to medications lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other mood disorders that are common in people with ADHD. Group activities, like team sports or group fitness classes, are particularly beneficial.
Therapy is also an important part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps 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 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. This is to facilitate the use of a more consistent and clear terms across our content and to make it easier for readers. This article applies to all people who were assigned male at birth, including transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and welcome all our readers.
Support
Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and suffer from 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 also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.
adhd women uk is important for women who typically develop coping strategies to be normal and meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy activities such as making phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. However, they can also be unhealthy such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
Women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem and other symptoms like depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to being unable to attend school or work, as well as social activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk for sexual activity 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 unwanted sexual activities, and can be at greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.
As adults, women who suffer from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also receive therapy, individually or in a group. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. This can also aid in improving their relationships.
Support services can also include specialized programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.
