Many women with ADHD go through much of their life being undiagnosed and untreated. This can lead to substantial risks, including career instabilities, difficulties with relationships, and an increased risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. ADHD is often missed in girls and women due to fewer behavioural problems, less noticeable symptoms, and their ability to mask their difficulties. Getting a diagnosis and proper treatment can be life changing. Here are 6 risks of untreated ADHD in women and what you should do if you think you have ADHD.
Why Is ADHD Missed in Girls and Women?
ADHD is missed in girls and women because ADHD often looks different in females than it does in males. Boys and men show more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD, such as constant fidgeting, excessive physical movement, non stop talking, and being unable to wait their turn. These signs are more overt and often cause disruption, making them more noticeable.
Girls and women, on the other hand, tend to present more inattentive ADHD symptoms, such as forgetfulness, disorganization, and trouble following instructions. These symptoms are easier to miss and often overlooked, leading to females being under diagnosed. Females are also more likely to “mask” their symptoms to fit in with societal expectations or overcompensate to cover up their symptoms. This can lead to their ADHD symptoms being dismissed or attributed to other factors, such as anxiety. It can also lead to a heightened risk of mental health issues in females. Girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed much later in life than boys and men, meaning they live with their symptoms without treatment oftentimes much longer than they should.
6 Risks of Untreated ADHD in Women
1. Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life often have low self-esteem. Without a diagnosis, they spend much of their lives feeling “different”, “lazy”, and “dumb”, and they blame themselves for their underachievements. Society expects women to be organized and able to manage and plan things very well. When they’re not able to step up to these expectations, they’re more likely to experience low self-esteem. Constant criticism, blame and rejection from others throughout their life also doesn’t help.
2. Career instabilities and difficulty with career goals
Women with ADHD have trouble with executive functioning skills such as focusing, managing time, and staying organized, all of which are pivotal for career success. These symptoms, especially when left untreated, cause a higher rate of job changes, worse job prospects, and a higher likelihood of loosing or quitting jobs. Women with ADHD often struggle to reach their full potential in their careers and are extra hard on themselves for their real and perceived failures.
3. Difficulties in relationships (romantic and friendships)
Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women’s ability to make and sustain close personal relationships. This is due to struggles with communication, attention, emotional regulation, and organization, which can lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships. Women with ADHD are often overwhelmed with the demands of relationships (texting back, remembering important dates, and being late to or missing special events). This leads to fewer meaningful relationships and untreated symptoms can lead to a lack of friendships and romantic relationships overall.
4. Mental health issues like anxiety and depression
Women with undiagnosed ADHD are also at a heightened risk of anxiety and depression. Going through your life thinking that there’s something wrong with you and not being able to attribute any external cause to your symptoms can take a serious toll. On top of this, a lack of meaningful friendships can lead to loneliness and social isolation, which can further exacerbate mental health issues. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression rather than ADHD, when treating ADHD symptoms is key to improving mental health issues, not the other way around.
5. Difficulty managing finances and financial instability
ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, trouble planning, and forgetfulness can lead to difficulty budgeting and managing finances, resulting in higher rates of debt and financial instability. Everyday difficulties such as losing things, impulse spending, and missed credit card payments can also contribute to financial vulnerabilities. This is called the ADHD tax. ADHD tax refers to costs incurred due to symptoms of ADHD and can also take a significant emotional toll.
6. Risky behaviours
Risky behaviours such as substance abuse, unhealthy eating patterns, and reckless driving often stem from impulsivity, sensation-seeking tendencies, and executive functioning and decision-making difficulties. These common ADHD symptoms cause a difficulty controlling urges and a tendency to act without thinking about the consequences. Low self-esteem and difficulty with emotional regulation can also lead to risky behaviours.
What To Do If You Think You Have ADHD
1. Talk to Your Doctor
If you think you may have ADHD, it’s important to book an appointment with your primary care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and help you figure out if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. They may refer you to a specialist. To be diagnosed, you’ll have to complete a comprehensive assessment including interviews and questionnaires. They may also talk to your friends and family. It’s important to be open and honest about your symptoms and concerns so you can be properly diagnosed and start treatment if needed.
2. Consider Medication
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, your healthcare provider may suggest medication. There are a few different types of medication used to treat ADHD by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters. Medications include stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall, non-stimulants, like Strattera and Kapvay, and antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Norpramin. It’s important to work with your doctor to figure out the best medication for you.
3. Start Therapy
Therapy with a professional who specializes in ADHD can be extremely helpful, not only for managing your symptoms, but to help you deal with emotional fallout from living with undiagnosed ADHD. Women with ADHD often benefit significantly from therapy as it can help with self-esteem, life management skills, relationships and career goals.
If you think you may have ADHD, talk to your doctor about getting evaluated for a diagnosis. The more you can learn about yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions about your future.
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