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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls

Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to a variety of problems for women and girls. They may feel unprepared at work, have difficulty in social relationships, or suffer from anxiety and depression.

They also have a better chance of developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to identify and treat them.

Signs and symptoms

While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls but the gap between genders narrows as people get older. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or unloved when they reach the age of adulthood.

As girls and women mature into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with 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 might blame themselves for their problems.

Unlike some other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies for coping that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive-type ADHD can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties in daily routines such as meal planning, scheduling or doing laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the different ways that girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties.

It is also essential that those who suffer from ADHD be evaluated by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who can evaluate their symptoms and medical history to 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 difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues like anxiety or chronic stress.

Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to need help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are treated for ADHD or they are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having significant difficulty with day-to-day living activities.

Diagnosis

Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, and they can face challenges 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 develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less well-known. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity might go unnoticed over a period of time.

Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms harder to recognize. Moreover, they can have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their life like anxiety and depression. They may be unable to manage their emotions. This may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.


Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. As a result, it is often difficult for them to speak up about their issues and seek assistance. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment.

It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with others. They might not attend social events and fail to show to appointments, and are unable to detect body language or read the non-verbal signals of others. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them.

It is crucial to receive 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 help them accept themselves more. It can also assist to identify their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can positively impact their professional, personal and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.

Treatment

Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, resulting in frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to cope with the demands of adulthood 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 can lead to gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Females and females might then conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by the society.

There are a variety of effective treatment options available for ADHD for girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional is able to prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. The most effective medications are stimulants. option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for certain people. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment to treat related conditions such as anxiety or depressive disorders.

Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful.

Therapy is also an essential element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people recognize and alter negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.

At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to gender assigned at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear language across our content, and to reduce confusion for readers. This article is applicable to all those who were assigned male at birth, which includes transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize that sex and gender 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), with ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. That's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to spot. They may also have symptoms that aren't evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity.

This is particularly important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to allow them to feel normal and fulfill the expectations of society. These coping mechanisms may include healthy actions like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. They can also be harmful such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and they could have relationship issues and chronic stress.

Women and girls with 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. Iam Psychiatry may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This can create an addiction and reliance that is hard to break.

Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This is due to impulsivity, poor organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into unintentional sexual activity and are more vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual 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 in a couple or on their own with partners. This can help them to recognize their issues and develop more positive internal conversations. This will also help improve their relationships.

Support services could 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 maintain jobs and household responsibilities and take care of children.

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Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/