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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to various issues for women and girls. They may feel unable at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety. They also do better at creating coping mechanisms to hide their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat them. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as we age. you can look here is why it's vital that people suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved as they grow older. As women and girls grow into adulthood and become adults, they 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 affect their self-esteem and mental health as they blame themselves for their issues. ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to mask symptoms with methods of coping, but these often result in a negative effect. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as inattention or forgetfulness and having difficulty paying attention in classes, and having trouble with daily routines, such as food 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 important for healthcare providers to be aware of the many ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to think about whether the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their problems. It's also critical that people who suffer from ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will evaluate their symptoms and medical history to rule out other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as problems with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues, such as tics or chronic stress. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they aren't taken seriously by family members, teachers or friends. They might not think their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance, or they may believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and have major difficulties with daily activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, and they can be faced with 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 that disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less well-known. This means that their issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity may remain unnoticed for a long time. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms harder to recognize. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their lives like anxiety and depression. They may be unable to control their emotions. This is often by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy and menopausal. Many of these conditions may result in low self-esteem and relationship issues. In the end, it can be difficult for them to open up about their issues and seek help. This can lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and engaging with others. They might miss social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They could even wander off on tangents while talking which makes it difficult for others to follow them. For these reasons, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and get it immediately. This can be an “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them recognize their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It also allows to identify their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. adhd symptoms for women can positively impact their professional, personal and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they reach adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They may also make it harder to handle the demands of adulthood including 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 could create gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which can result in girls and women suppressing or hiding their own symptoms to avoid getting stigmatized by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. The first option is stimulant medication, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your healthcare professional to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety. Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus, and also reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial. Therapy is also an important component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships. We use the words “girls”, “women” and “womens” to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, not to a person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is clear and consistent and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to all individuals who were male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our website. 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 girls and women tend to hide symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is essential for women who often come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy things like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a schedule for the day. But they can also be unhealthy such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and may be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress. The difficulties that girls and women with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss, anxiety, depression or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to the avoidance of school or work activities. They could also become more dependent on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. That can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance on others that is difficult to break. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This can be caused by the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexually inappropriate activities and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women who suffer from ADHD typically benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also seek help from a therapist, either individually or with a partner. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It can help them improve their relationships. Support services may also include specialized programs for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and household responsibilities, and care for children.