15 Things You Didn't Know About ADHD In Women

Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls

Girls and women often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel unsatisfied at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from anxiety or depression.

They also have a better chance of creating coping mechanisms to hide their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them.

Symptoms

Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys more often than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people age. This is why it's critical that people with ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved as they grow older.

As girls and women mature 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. Untreated ADHD can affect their self-esteem and mental health in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their problems.

ADHD is a chronic illness unlike other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often result in a negative effect. Additionally, hormonal changes during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically are characterized by being forgetful or numb in the sense of losing the track of time, having trouble paying attention during classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines like food preparation, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the different ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to determine if the presence of anxiety or depression is the cause of their struggles.

It is also essential that those with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and problems with relationships and social interaction. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues, such as tics or chronic stress.

Many girls and women suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by teachers, family or friends. They may not think that their issues are serious enough to seek help, or they may believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, among other external factors. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities.

Diagnosis

Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They also may be faced with challenges 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 also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be overlooked over a number of time.

Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize their symptoms. Furthermore,  undiagnosed adhd in women  could have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as anxiety and depression. For instance, they might find it hard to control their moods, which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.

A variety of these issues can cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. As a result, it isn't easy to talk about their struggles and seek assistance. This can delay diagnosis and treatment.

It's also normal 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 to appointments, and are unable to detect body language or recognize other people's nonverbal cues. They may even be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up.

It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and act as swiftly as you can. This could be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It can also aid women to focus on their strengths and take steps to improve life management abilities. This could be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.

Treatment

Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it difficult to deal with adult demands, such as managing finances, maintaining a clean home or 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 stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Girls and women may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by the society.

There are effective treatment options for ADHD for both genders. Medications regulate brain activity and help manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The first option is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants are also effective for certain individuals. Additionally, a combination of treatments might be recommended by your doctor to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression.

In addition to medication lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, such as group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial.

Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.

At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. To ensure that our content is clear and consistent and to avoid confusion among our readers we use this term. This article 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 of our readers.

Support

Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. This is because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose. They might also exhibit symptoms that are less evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

This is particularly important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to allow them to feel normal and meet societal expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy things like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. They can also be unhealthy like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may experience anxiety or depressed, and overwhelmed and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress.

The challenges women and girls with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss and depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings may lead to avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They could also become more dependent on their parents to help with daily tasks. This can lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.

Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with non-consensual companions during the adolescent years. This can be caused by the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or a failure to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities that are not desired, and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation.

As adults, women who suffer from ADHD can often benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also seek help from a therapist, either individually or with partners. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This will also help improve their relationships.

Support services can include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, take care of their home responsibilities and take care of their children.