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 also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to conceal their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms
The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as people get older. This is why it's vital that those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or unloved when they reach the age of adulthood.
As girls and women grow into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. signs of adhd in women may struggle with managing finances or keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also impact their self-esteem and mental health, because they blame themselves for their issues.
ADHD is a chronic condition, unlike some other mental disorders. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using coping techniques, but they often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms.
Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded and losing track of time, difficulties paying attention during class or work and trouble with daily routines such as 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 is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the different ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to think about whether anxiety or depression are contributing to their problems.
It is crucial that those with ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms and medical history, and rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and trouble with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues like anxiety or chronic stress.
Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they're not taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or they may think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others 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 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 may also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of time.
Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect their symptoms. There are also co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, including depression and anxiety. For example, they can struggle to manage their emotions, and this can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
Many of these conditions can result in a low self-esteem and problems with relationships. It is often difficult for these people to openly discuss their issues and seek help. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with other people. They may miss social events, fail to turn up for appointments and can't read body language or read other people's nonverbal signals. They could even go off on tangents during conversations, making it difficult for others to follow them.
For these reasons, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and take action immediately. For women, this could be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It also allows them focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This could positively impact their professional, personal and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD.
Treatment
Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, and lead to frustration and low confidence. They can also make it difficult to cope 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 lead to gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society.
There are, thankfully, effective treatment options available for ADHD in women and girls. The medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your doctor to treat related disorders like depression or anxiety.
Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial.
Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships.
At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to ensure clearer and more consistent terms across our content and to avoid confusion for readers. This article applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our site.
Support
Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to spot. They may also have signs that aren't obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.
This is particularly crucial for women, who often develop coping strategies that make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These strategies of coping can include healthy actions like maintaining a daily schedule or setting phone reminders. They could also be harmful, like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They could also become more dependent on their parents for help with daily tasks. This could lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break.
In adolescence, girls as well as women with ADHD are at a higher risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This is due to impulsivity, poor organization, or inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into unintentional sexual activity and are at higher risk for domestic violence and exploitation.
Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also seek out therapy, either individually or with partners. This will help them to recognize their issues and build more positive internal dialogues. This can also aid in improving their relationships.
Support services can include programs specifically designed for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs and household responsibilities, and care for children.