This Story Behind ADHD In Women Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!

Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls

Women and girls often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their lives. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety.

They are also better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to recognize and treat them.

Symptoms

While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more often than women and girls but the gap between genders narrows as people get older. It is crucial that people who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or ignored.

As girls and women mature 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 take a toll on their confidence in themselves and mental health, because they blame themselves for their troubles.

ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women are more likely to hide their symptoms by using methods of coping, but these often result in a negative effect. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual periods as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded and losing track of time, difficulties paying attention in classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines, such as meal planning, laundry or scheduling.  attention deficit in women -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 many ways women and girls can present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties.

It's also crucial that people who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other issues. Certain people with ADHD also have mental health issues like anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems such as tics or chronic stress.

Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s, and are experiencing problems with daily life.

Diagnosis

Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, and they can have issues when it does occur. 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 also have strategies to cope with their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' issues with concentration, organization and impulsivity may be unnoticed for a period of years.

Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. They may have difficulty to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.

A variety of these issues can result in low self-esteem and relationships problems. It can be difficult for people with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and seek assistance. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment.

It's also common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with other people. They might miss social gatherings, fail to show up for appointments, and have trouble understanding body language. They may also be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up with them.

It's important that you get an accurate diagnosis and take action as quickly as possible. It could be an "lightbulb" moment for women. It can help them understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also aid women to focus on their strengths and adopt steps to improve their life management skills. This can be beneficial to their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article.

Treatment

Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal life of girls and women as they reach adulthood. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They may also make it more difficult to cope with 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 could create gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which could lead to women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society.

There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Stimulant drugs are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for certain people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your healthcare professional to treat related issues like depression or anxiety.

Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are 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 part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists individuals identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause 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 the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to reduce confusion for readers. This article applies to all those who were male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content.

Support

Women and people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and suffer from ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. There are also signs that are less apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

This masking is especially important for women, who often develop coping strategies that make them feel comfortable and fulfill the expectations of society. These coping strategies could include healthy actions like making phone reminders or keeping a schedule for the day. They can also be harmful such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious over, depressed, or overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.

Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school or work activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents to assistance with their daily tasks. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and dependence on others that's hard to break.

In adolescence, girls and women with ADHD may be at greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activities, and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation.

Women with ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek therapy whether on their own or with an individual or with a partner. 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 special programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and manage their home responsibilities, and care for children.