Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls are often faced with a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their daily lives. They may feel unsatisfied at work, have difficulty with relationships with peers and suffer from depression or anxiety.
They also tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that conceal their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Signs and symptoms
While research confirms ADHD affects boys and men more often than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten.
As women and girls develop into adults, they often still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they may blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic disorder unlike other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women tend to mask their symptoms with coping strategies that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as inattention or forgetfulness and having difficulty paying attention in classes, and having trouble in daily routines such as scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. 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 different ways women and girls can suffer from ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety contributes to the difficulties.
It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. They can look at their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out other conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues like chronic stress or tics.
Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They may 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. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They can also have issues if detected. 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 can develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms which allows them to be less well-known. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might be unnoticed for a period of time.
Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify the signs. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, like anxiety and depression. They may be unable to control their emotions. This may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Many of these conditions can result in a low self-esteem and problems with relationships. As a result, it is often difficult to talk about their issues and seek assistance. This can result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with other people. They might not attend social events, fail to turn to appointments, and are unable to read body language or recognize other people's nonverbal signals. They may even be inclined to go off on tangents while talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up.
It's important that you get a proper diagnose and take action as quickly as possible. 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 take steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article.
Treatment
As women and girls develop into adults, untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their professional and personal lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it difficult to cope with adult demands like managing finances and maintaining a clean home 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 to avoid being judged by the society.
There are effective treatment options for ADHD for both genders. A licensed health professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. The most popular choice is a stimulant, however non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment to treat related disorders, such as depression or anxiety disorders.
In addition to medications, lifestyle changes can aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful.
Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. To ensure that adhd test for women is clear and consistent, and to avoid confusion among our readers we use this term. However, this article also applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and welcome all our readers.
Support
Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, making them more difficult for doctors to identify. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.
This masking is essential for women who often come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions such as making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. They can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. They may also suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress.
Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem and other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoiding school, work or social activities. They may also become dependent on their parents for helping them with their daily tasks. That can create an environment of dependency and reliance on others that is difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls as well as women with ADHD may be at greater risk for sexual activity with non-consensual partners. This can be due to impulsivity, poor planning, or a lack of ability to use contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual activity, and they are at higher risk for domestic violence and exploitation.
Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also get therapy on their own or in a partnership. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships.
Support services can include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.