The Challenges Of Managing ADHD When You’re A Woman
At some point in their lives, 4.2 percent of women will be diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder).
Are you a woman with ADHD? Do you ever feel alone or that your symptoms are misunderstood? If so, keep reading.
Discussed below are some of the most significant challenges that women with ADHD face. You’ll also learn some tips on how to manage your ADHD symptoms more effectively.
Before you dive in, remember that our professionals are always here to help
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects one’s ability to focus. It is characterized by a combination of a lack of attention, hyperactivity (excessive movement in settings where such behavior is not appropriate), and impulsivity.
There are 3 types of ADHD:
Inattentive Type
Those with Inattentive Type ADHD will exhibit some (or all) of the following symptoms:
● Not paying close attention to details or making careless mistakes
● Trouble staying focused on various tasks or activities
● Not seeming to listen when spoken to
● Not following through on instructions
● Trouble organizing tasks or work
● Avoiding or disliking tasks that require a sustained mental effort
● Losing things they need for daily life (keys, wallet, glasses, etc.)
● Being easily distracted
● Forgetting daily tasks
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Those with Hyperactive/Impulsive Type ADHD will exhibit some (or all) of the following symptoms:
● Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet
● Inability to stay seated
● Running or climbing in inappropriate locations
● Inability to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
● Always being “on the go”
● Talking too much
● Blurting out answers or interrupting during conversations
● Having difficulty waiting for one’s turn
Combined Type
Those with Combined Type ADHD will exhibit symptoms from both lists.
ADHD in Men vs Women
It’s helpful to know some of the basic symptoms and diagnostic criteria for ADHD. However, it is also important to note that ADHD typically looks different in men than it does in women.
Inattentive vs Hyperactive/Impulsive
Women and girls are more likely to be diagnosed with symptoms associated with Inattentive Type ADHD. Men and boys, on the other hand, are more likely to deal with Hyperactive/Impulsive Type ADHD.
The symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type ADHD are more well-known than the symptoms of Inattentive Type ADHD and can be easier to recognize. This, in turn, leads to men and boys being diagnosed earlier and more often than women.
Symptoms vs Character Traits
In general, men and boys are also more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because women’s and girls’ symptoms are more likely to be viewed as character traits.
A girl who is struggling with Inattentive Type ADHD may be dubbed a daydreamer or overly chatty in school. These are seen as character traits that she simply needs to reign in if she wants to succeed.
On the flip side, a boy who has trouble staying in his seat or remembering to raise his hand is displaying more well-known markers of ADHD. As a result, he may get diagnosed and receive treatment sooner than his female counterparts (who may not receive a diagnosis or treatment at all).
A Recipe for Misdiagnosis
Women and girls who seek out help for ADHD are frequently misdiagnosed, too. They may be told they’re struggling with anxiety or depression and don’t get the proper treatment they need to manage their symptoms.
Things get even more complicated, though, when you consider the fact that depression and anxiety often do accompany ADHD in a lot of women. Many women with ADHD report blaming themselves and feeling ashamed about their symptoms and how they affect their ability to keep up with their daily responsibilities.
Over time, these feelings of blame and shame can easily morph into anxiety and depression. Until the actual cause -- ADHD -- is addressed, though, they won’t notice significant improvements, even if they do get help for their depression or anxiety.
ADHD and Hormones
Women’s hormonal fluctuations can also intensify their ADHD symptoms.
Research shows that the increases in estrogen and progesterone that young women experience during puberty can enhance neurotransmitter activity and improve their cognitive functioning. However, when premenstrual hormone levels decrease, women may notice their ADHD symptoms get worse, especially since low estrogen can contribute to irritability, mood swings, sleep disruptions, and poor concentration.
Menopause can also lead to intensified ADHD symptoms for women later in life. When estrogen levels decrease, feelings of confusion can increase, along with challenges related to memory, concentration, and sleep quality.
ADHD and Gender Roles
Women with ADHD also experience unique challenges due to societal gender roles and expectations for women. Whether the woman works outside of the home or not, she is typically expected to run the household, handle meal preparation, clean, and keep everyone else organized.
For any woman, these expectations can be daunting. For women with ADHD, they can feel downright impossible.
The struggles of ADHD, combined with the additional weight of traditional gender roles, can lead to an increased risk of burnout for many women. It also increases their risk of developing other mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
Tips for Women to Manage ADHD
For women struggling with ADHD, medication and therapy are extremely beneficial tools. Working with a professional allows you to learn healthy coping mechanisms and implement strategies to manage symptoms effectively. The following are some techniques they may recommend:
● Join a support group: Participating in support groups helps you see that you’re not alone and creates a safe space for you to share your experiences.
● Implement structured routines: Writing checklists or setting reminders on your phone or watch can go a long way toward helping you avoid forgetting important tasks.
● Delegate responsibilities: When possible, delegate responsibilities to others; this might include hiring a house cleaner or outsourcing certain aspects of your job to someone else on your team.
Take Control of Your ADHD Today
Dealing with ADHD can be particularly difficult and frustrating for women. If you keep the tools and techniques listed above in mind, though, it’ll be much easier for you to take control of your life and manage your symptoms.
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