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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel unprepared at work, have difficulty in social relationships or experience depression and anxiety. They also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to conceal their ADHD symptoms, which makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects both men and boys more frequently than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored. As girls and women mature into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they might blame themselves for their issues. Contrary to other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Girls and women are more likely to mask symptoms with methods of coping, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can include forgetfulness or being absentminded or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties in daily routines such as scheduling meals, meal planning, or laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways women and girls present with ADHD and to determine if comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their problems. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. They can evaluate their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD have mental health issues like anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and issues in social interactions and relationships. It is also common for adults with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues, such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women who have ADHD aren't diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not think their problems are a serious enough problem to seek assistance or may think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting, low self-esteem or other external factors. In some instances, girls and women with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are diagnosed with ADHD, or they don't receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and are experiencing significant difficulty with day-to-day living activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and may face challenges when it does happen. 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 also have coping strategies that mask their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as much. It is possible that girls' problems with concentration, organization and impulsivity might be unnoticed for a period of time. Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify the signs. They can also have co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, like anxiety and depression. For instance, they may struggle to manage their moods, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. It can be difficult for these people to openly discuss their issues and ask for assistance. This could delay the diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and engaging with other people. They may miss social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and may have difficulty reading body language. They might even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up with them. It's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act immediately. For women, this could be a “lightbulb moment” which can provide them with an external explanation of their problems and help them accept themselves more fully. It can also help women focus on their strengths and adopt steps to improve their life management skills. This could have a positive impact on their work, family and personal lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment As girls and women grow into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance and lead to anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can also make it difficult to deal with adult demands like managing finances and keeping your home in order, or 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 result in gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which could lead to girls and women suppressing or hiding their own symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society. There are, thankfully, effective treatments available for ADHD in women and girls. Medicines regulate brain activity and control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The first choice is stimulant medications, however nonstimulants may also be effective for some people. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues common in people with ADHD. Group activities, such as group fitness or team sports classes, can be especially beneficial. Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify and change negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. We employ the terms “girls”, “women” and “womens” to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. This is to provide more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to reduce confusion for our readers. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers. Support Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD, are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. It's because girls and women tend to hide symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that aren't evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is particularly crucial for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These coping strategies could include healthy actions like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily calendar. However, they can also be harmful such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. They may also have relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges that girls and women with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoidance of school, work or social activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents to help with daily tasks. This can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break. In adolescence, girls as well as women with ADHD may be at greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. adhd in women adults could be due the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a lack of ability to utilize contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and are more vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also seek therapy, either individually or with a partner. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This will also help improve their relationships. Support services may include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, handle their household responsibilities, and care for their children.