15 Things You've Never Known About ADHD In Women

Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls are often faced with a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel unprepared at work, struggle in relationships with peers or suffer from depression and anxiety.

They also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.

Signs and symptoms

The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people get older. It's crucial that those who suffer from ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored.

As women and girls grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their issues.

Contrary to other mental disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Women and girls are prone to mask their symptoms with coping strategies, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded, losing track of time, difficulties paying attention in classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines such as 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 essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways that girls and women present with ADHD and think about whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues.

It's important that people with ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD have additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and trouble with social relationships and relationships. It's also common for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues, such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.

Many girls and women with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They may not believe that their problems are a serious enough to seek help, or they may believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing difficulties with their daily activities.

Diagnosis

Women are not often 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.  adhd in women adult Iam Psychiatry  develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and make them less visible. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity may go unnoticed over a period of years.

Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms harder to detect. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. They may have difficulty to control their emotions. This may be worsened because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.

A variety of these issues can contribute to a lack of self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and seek help. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.

It's also normal for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with others. They may miss social gatherings, fail to attend appointments, and have difficulty reading body language. They may even wander off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to follow them.

For these reasons, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and act as soon as possible. For women, this could be an "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept themselves more fully. It can also assist them focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management skills. This can positively impact their family, work and personal lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.

Treatment

Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they reach adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance and lead to frustration and low confidence. They may also make it difficult to handle the demands of adult life like managing finances, keeping the 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 lead to gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This can lead to women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society.

There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your physician to address related conditions like depression or anxiety.

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues that are common among people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial.

Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships.

At Verywell Health, we use the words "girls" and "women" to refer to the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. This is to ensure clearer and more consistent language across our content, and to make it easier for readers. This article is applicable to all individuals who were assigned male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content.

Support

Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. It's because girls and women tend to hide symptoms, making it harder for doctors to identify. There are also signs that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity.

This is crucial for women who frequently come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy actions like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily calendar. They could also be harmful, such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. They may also be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress.

Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may experience low self-esteem and other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoiding school and work, or social activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents for help with daily tasks. This can lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break.

In adolescence, girls as well as women with ADHD might be at a greater risk for sexual activity with non-consensual partners. This is due to impulsivity, poor organization, or inability to use contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into sexual activities that are not desired, and are more vulnerable to domestic violence and the exploitation of.

As adults, women who suffer from ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, either individually or with partners. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships.

Support services may also include coaching for parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women with ADHD keep their jobs, manage their responsibilities at home and take care of their children.