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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to various issues for girls and women. They may feel unable at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety. They also have a better chance of developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat them. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people age. This is why it's vital that people suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or unloved when they reach adulthood. As girls and women develop into adults, they frequently remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. women and adhd may struggle with managing finances and keeping their home clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they might blame themselves for their issues. ADHD is a chronic disorder, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, but they often backfire. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded in the sense of losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in class or work and trouble with daily routines like laundry, meal planning or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the various ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to consider whether comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their problems. It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties with social relationships and relationships. It is also common for people with ADHD to suffer from other health issues that are co-occurring such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they aren't taken seriously by teachers, family or friends. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood, and they can have issues 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 can also develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' problems with concentration, organization and impulsivity could go unnoticed over a period of years. Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify their symptoms. Furthermore, they could suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their life management skills, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, and this can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. A variety of these issues can cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. In the end, it is often difficult for them to open up about their challenges and seek assistance. This can result in delay in the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with other people. They might not attend social events, fail to turn on time for appointments, and fail to detect body language or recognize other people's nonverbal signals. They could even go off on tangents when talking which makes it difficult for others to follow them. In these circumstances, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and act immediately. This can be an “lightbulb” moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also assist women to recognize their strength and adopt steps to improve their life management abilities. This can positively impact their work, family and personal lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment As women and girls develop into adults untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their professional and personal lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also make it difficult to manage the demands of adult life including managing finances, keeping a 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 can lead to gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which can lead to women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms to avoid getting stigmatized by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. Medicines control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. Additionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your healthcare professional to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression. Alongside medication, lifestyle changes can aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports, are particularly helpful. Therapy is also a crucial component of treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to ensure the use of a more consistent and clear language across our content, and to make it easier for our readers. This article is applicable to all people who were assigned male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary people. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our website. Support Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. This is because girls and women tend to hide symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that are not apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is essential for women who often develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities, such as maintaining a daily schedule or setting phone reminders. They can also be unhealthy like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress. Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem and other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to avoidance of school or work activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This can lead to a cycle of dependency and reliance on others that is difficult to break. In adolescence, girls and women with ADHD are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This could be due to impulsivity, poor planning, or a lack of ability to use contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into unwanted sexual activities, and may be at a higher risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. Women with ADHD who are adults can benefit from medications to treat symptoms and coping techniques. They can also receive therapy, individually or in a group. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships. Support services may include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and take care of children.