Women with ADHD: Overcoming a Unique Challenge

Ruth Kennedy  - 15 August 2023

[Reading Time: 7 minutes]

women holding hands behind their backs

As a life coach who works with adults living with ADHD, I can attest to the unique challenges that women face in managing this condition. My own experience of being diagnosed late into adulthood was extremely difficult and overwhelming—but also deeply rewarding. In my work, I’ve found that when women are given the right support, they have an amazing capacity for thriving despite their diagnosis.

In this article, I’ll discuss how women with ADHD grapple with common struggles such as difficulty focusing and regulating emotions, plus strategies for overcoming these obstacles and ultimately taking charge of their lives. It’s important to note that everyone experiences ADHD differently—so while research suggests there are shared difficulties among all individuals living with the condition, no two journeys will look exactly alike.

Plus, I will share with you the natural supplement solution I found to be most helpful when managing my ADHD symptoms!

I’m passionate about helping people discover their power within themselves despite any limitations or diagnoses they may have been given. So if you’re a woman living with ADHD, know that you don’t need to feel limited by your diagnosis: There is hope and possibility available to you! Let’s explore what it looks like to overcome challenges associated with ADHD and thrive in spite of them.

Contents

  • What Is ADHD, And How Does It Affect Women?
  • How Does ADHD Differ in Women?
  • What are the Unique Challenges of ADHD Faced By Women?
  • Why is Early Detection and Diagnosis Important for Women with ADHD?
  • My Personal Journey To An Accurate Diagnosis:
  • Effective Coping Strategies For Managing ADHD Symptoms in Women
  • Brainzyme® FOCUS™: A Natural Solution For Managing ADHD Symptoms
  • Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD in Women
  • Conclusion

What Is ADHD, And How Does It Affect Women?

Do you feel overwhelmed by life and unsure of how to keep up? Could it be that the struggle is because, unbeknownst to you, you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? ADHD in women often goes undiagnosed and misunderstood. Having a late diagnosis can be frustrating, but there are coping strategies available to help women thrive.

It’s not unusual for adult women who have had long-term struggles with symptoms such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, and restlessness - which may appear differently than they do in men – to finally discover that their difficulties are related to ADHD.

Unfortunately, many of us don’t learn about this condition until our thirties or later when we already feel beaten down by years of feeling ‘less than,’ unfulfilled at work and weighed down by stressors like parenting small children or managing relationships while trying desperately to live up to society’s expectations.

Having an understanding of what ADHD looks like in women gives us power over our lives. We must become aware of the signs and symptoms so we can start taking steps towards building resilience and getting back on track!

Let’s explore further: What are the symptoms of ADHD in women, and how do they differ from those experienced by men?

How Does ADHD Differ in Women?

Women who receive an ADHD diagnosis can experience a wide range of symptoms and challenges, from hyperactive symptoms to more inattentive symptoms. It is important for women to understand their specific symptom profile, as well as the differences between men and women when it comes to ADHD. Here are some key points about how ADHD affects women:

1. Hyperactivity- This type of symptom includes impulsivity, restlessness and difficulty sitting still or focusing on tasks at hand. Women may be more likely to exhibit this type of behaviour than men with similar levels of hyperactivity.

2. Inattention- This includes problems with organisation, forgetfulness, distractibility and procrastination. Women tend to have higher rates of inattentive type ADHD compared to males with the same level of impairment due to ADHD.

woman worried about co-occuring conditions

3. Co-occurring conditions- Girls and women who are diagnosed with ADHD often struggle with depression, anxiety, other mental disorders or substance abuse issues that can compound the effects of the disorder itself. They also tend to have lower self-esteem than those without ADHD, which can lead to further difficulties managing day-to-day life responsibilities like work and relationships.

4. Treatment options- There are a variety of treatments available for adults living with ADHD, including medication, therapy, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and mindfulness techniques, support groups and coaching services tailored specifically for individuals who identify as having an attention deficit disorder (inattentive ADHD). All these treatments should be considered depending on individual needs and lifestyle factors that must be taken into account when developing a comprehensive treatment plan customised just for you!

It’s essential for any woman diagnosed with ADHD to understand her unique set of challenges so she can develop strategies for coping effectively both emotionally and physically throughout her life journey ahead!

Recognizing your strengths while actively working on areas where there may be deficits or weaknesses will help build resilience, enabling you to step confidently towards achieving personal goals no matter what obstacles come your way!

Find out if you present key symptoms of ADHD by taking our self-ADHD test now.

What are the Unique Challenges of ADHD Faced By Women?

As a life coach who works with people living with ADHD, I know first-hand the unique challenges women face when dealing with this condition. For young women especially, managing the inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD can be overwhelming and even paralysing at times. It often takes years for a woman to come to terms with her diagnosis and understand how it may have been impacting her daily life all along.

Women are also more likely than men to manifest their ADHD in ways that aren’t always recognized as associated with the condition - such as anxiety or depression - making them harder to diagnose and treat. The gender differences between male and female manifestations of ADHD are an important factor that must be taken into account when treating these conditions in order to provide individualised care tailored specifically for each patient’s needs.

The lack of awareness about the unique challenges faced by girls and women diagnosed with ADHD makes early detection and diagnosis all the more crucial. Knowledge is power, which starts by understanding what’s going on inside your own head so you can start taking control of your life.

Why is Early Detection and Diagnosis Important for Women with ADHD?

When it comes to girls and women with ADHD, the importance of early detection and accurate diagnosis cannot be overstated. When I was a child, I often struggled with focusing on tasks and completing them in a timely manner. It wasn’t until my thirties that I had an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Unfortunately, this is common for many women: the majority of us don’t get diagnosed until much later in life than men do.

What can undiagnosed ADHD lead to in women?

Untreated ADHD can lead to a variety of issues for women, including difficulty in school and the workplace, resulting in lower academic and career success, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor organisational skills, difficulty completing tasks, an increased risk of substance abuse, and physical health issues.

Additionally, it can lead to careless mistakes, missed deadlines, unpaid bills, financial mismanagement, and debt. Women may also experience difficulty with time management and task completion, which can make it difficult for them to find and keep a job.

Watch: Why do some women wait decades for an ADHD diagnosis? - BBC News

ADHD symptoms present differently in women than in men.

One reason for this could be the fact that boys tend to display more pronounced symptoms than girls, making it easier for parents, teachers and doctors to diagnose them earlier. While girls tend to internalise their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, because the symptoms can manifest differently between genders, there may not be enough awareness among medical professionals about how to detect ADHD in females.

In order to ensure better outcomes for our young ladies, it’s essential that everyone working with children become educated about recognising girls’ symptoms of ADHD so they can receive appropriate treatment sooner rather than later.

Understanding what my journey toward diagnosis looked like has been key to helping me find success as a woman living with ADHD today. That’s why I always stress the importance of understanding yourself first before embarking on any form of self-improvement or therapy related to your condition – something which starts with getting an accurate ADHD assessment from qualified professionals who are familiar with diagnosing ADHD in both males and females. My journey to diagnosis began when I started listening closely to myself and paying attention to all the subtle cues my body gave me; only then did I realise just how powerful knowing ourselves really is!

My Personal Journey To An Accurate Diagnosis:

My journey to diagnosis was a long one. Growing up, I had many of the traits associated with ADHD—I was easily distracted and disorganised, struggled in school, and felt like an outsider among my peers. Despite this, it never occurred to me that these issues could be related to ADHD; instead, it seemed as if they were just part of who I was.

It wasn’t until much later in life, when I started working with other women who had ADHD, that I began to recognise similarities between myself and them. Recognising these commonalities led me to seek out help from a mental health professional for what turned out to be a late-in-life diagnosis of adult ADHD.

female patient talking to a female mental health professional

The experience of finally having answers after years of confusion was liberating but also came with its own set of challenges: not only did I have to come to terms with the fact that I had gone so long without any assistance or support for my struggles, but there was also the added pressure of catching up on everything else that comes along with being an adult woman living with ADHD – managing finances, prioritising tasks, and dealing with self-esteem issues caused by societal expectations.

Thankfully, through hard work and dedication (and lots of trial and error), I eventually got where I needed to be both mentally and emotionally - which brings us here today!

Effective Coping Strategies For Managing ADHD Symptoms in Women

Living with ADHD can be overwhelming and difficult to manage, especially for women. It’s a mental health condition that requires ongoing support and treatments in order to function effectively in daily life. As someone who was only recently diagnosed with ADHD in my thirties, I understand the challenges of learning to cope with this attention deficit disorder. There are various strategies you can use to help manage your symptoms and make sure you’re getting the most out of each day.

The first thing is recognising what makes it difficult for you to stay focused or attentive. Acknowledge where your weaknesses lie and find ways to strengthen them. This could include setting realistic goals and breaking tasks down into smaller chunks, so they don’t seem as daunting.

Additionally, ensure that you create an environment suited for productivity by minimising distraction and ensuring that everything needed for task completion is readily available. Taking regular breaks throughout the day will also help keep your mind fresh while boosting concentration levels when needed.

It’s important not to forget about self-care measures too! Exercise has been known to improve physical and mental well-being, which helps reduce the stress associated with living with ADHD. Other activities such as taking natural supplements, mindful meditation, journaling, listening to music, or even just going outside for some fresh air have all proven beneficial as well. All these strategies combined can have a positive effect on how we feel mentally, which then influences our ability to focus better on the tasks at hand.

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Brainzyme® Focus™: A Natural Solution For Managing ADHD Symptoms

I understand how challenging it can be to manage the different symptoms of this complex disorder. Most women are diagnosed late in life or remain undiagnosed due to the fact that they may have an inattentive type of ADHD which is often overlooked by clinicians. This means that more women struggle with their condition without ever knowing what’s wrong and never receiving treatment.

Fortunately, there are now natural solutions available such as Brainzyme® FOCUS™, specifically designed to treat problems with focus, concentration energy and memory. This range of 100% plant-powered supplements provide scientifically proven ingredients like L-theanine, B6, Vitamin D3 and magnesium which work synergistically together to support improved focus and concentration while also providing essential vitamins needed for better cognitive functioning.

The easy-to-use and fast-acting capsules of Brainzyme® FOCUS™ supplements make them extremely convenient for busy lives on the go!

Brainzyme® FOCUS™ Starter Bundle

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Brainzyme® FOCUS™ has been helping many women living with ADHD overcome challenges associated with managing their disorder. It helps these individuals improve their mental clarity, energy levels, and overall well-being so that they can live healthier, more productive lives.

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Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD in Women

What Type of ADHD is Common in Women?

Inattentive ADHD, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADHD-PI), is the most common type of ADHD in women. People with this type of ADHD may have difficulty focusing, organising, and completing tasks, and may be easily distracted.

What Treatments Are Available For Women Who Have ADHD?

Treatments like medication, CBT, neurofeedback, and life coaching can help you manage your symptoms and start thriving. With support from experts and the right combination of treatments, you can reclaim control of your life and create sustainable habits to reach success!

Are There Any ADHD Support Groups For Women?

Support groups provide a space to talk about experiences and share strategies for managing symptoms, advice on lifestyle changes, and positive thinking habits. They are empowering as we gain strength through knowing we're not alone. Support groups give us insight into how to make life better and can provide practical solutions.

If you have been diagnosed or think you may have ADHD, seek out local and online support groups! You'll find solidarity among women with this condition, and together learn how to best overcome its challenges and live a full life.

support group for adhd in women

How Can Family Members And Friends Help Women Manage Their ADHD Symptoms?

Family members and friends can help women with ADHD by becoming informed, listening without judgement, encouraging positive self-talk, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and providing opportunities for success.

Ultimately, the individual needs to take ownership of their situation in order to move forward in a meaningful way. These techniques can empower those affected by ADHD while building resilience.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of ADHD On Women?

Living with ADHD can be challenging, but for many women, it's not realised until later in life. Common traits such as difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and overwhelm can have an impact on our overall well-being and professional life.

Stress and anxiety are magnified, leading to potential physical and mental health issues, and difficulty connecting emotionally can lead to isolation. It's important to take steps towards managing the condition and having the right support network for better control.

Conclusion

I hope this article has been both informative and inspiring. Women who have ADHD have an incredible capacity to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the world, despite their diagnosis.

Living with ADHD can be challenging, especially for women, who often face additional stigma and challenges. Fortunately, with the right support, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements, like Brainzyme® FOCUS™, women can manage their ADHD symptoms and live a fulfilling life.

It's important to remember that ADHD is not a condition that has to limit you. With the right support and resources, you can thrive and make meaningful contributions to the world. It's important to surround yourself with people who understand and support you and to find ways to manage your symptoms in healthy and productive ways.

Additionally, seeking professional help and support can be invaluable in helping you to manage your symptoms. With the right tools and support, you can lead a fulfilling life, despite your diagnosis.

Brainzyme® FOCUS™ can help women get their lives back on track with its unique blend of natural ingredients that are specifically tailored to help with symptoms like difficulty focusing, mental fog, and low energy. Taking Brainzyme® FOCUS™ can help women with ADHD take control of their lives and take on the day with ease.

So if you’re struggling with ADHD and want to take control of your life, order the Brainzyme® FOCUS™ Starter Bundle and see how it can make a difference for you.

Ruth Kennedy

Ruth Kennedy is a freelance life coach who, after being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, strives to help others with ADHD manage their symptoms in the best way possible

Ruth Kennedy

Ruth Kennedy is a freelance life coach who, after being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, strives to help others with ADHD manage their symptoms in the best way possible. Ruth takes Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ daily and swears by it to help her stay focused and productive. She uses her experience as an ADHD life coach to contribute to the Brainzyme® blogs.

An American Expat living in Edinburgh, Ruth loves exploring the beautiful city and surrounding countryside with her husband and two dogs.

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References

LlB, S. R.-. C. O. O. (2022, June 7). ADHD in girls and women - Psychiatry-UK. Psychiatry-UK. https://psychiatry-uk.com/adhd-in-girls-and-women/

Lmft, S. S. M. (2023, January 19). ADHD in Women: A Symptom Checklist. ADDitude. https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-symptoms-in-women/

Low, K. (2022, July 28). Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Women. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/add-symptoms-in-women-20394

Mfa, R. J. S. (2021, November 18). Why ADHD Is Underdiagnosed in Women – and What We Can Do About It. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adhd-in-women

Women and Girls - CHADD. (2023, March 3). CHADD. https://chadd.org/for-adults/women-and-girls/

*Customers have anecdotally expressed that Brainzyme® FOCUS™ products have helped with “ADHD-like symptoms"

*Mood claims are anecdotal.

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