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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 inadequate at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety. They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more often than girls and women, the gender gap narrows as people age. This is why it's vital that those suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or ostracized when they reach the age of adulthood. As girls and women grow into adults, they frequently continue to have trouble with their ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances and keeping their home clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may blame themselves for their troubles. ADHD is a chronic condition, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope, but they often fail to work. In addition, hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD can manifest as inattention or forgetfulness, having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulty with daily routines, such as food planning, scheduling, or laundry. 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 different ways women and girls present with ADHD and to think about whether comorbid depression or anxiety is the cause of their struggles. It's also critical that people with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical background to rule out other conditions. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as issues with social interactions and relationships. It's also normal for people with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not think their issues are serious enough issue to seek help, or they may believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style, low self-esteem or other external factors. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or do not receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and are experiencing major difficulties with daily activities. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can have issues 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 can also develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be unnoticed for a period of years. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms harder to pick up on. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring conditions that impact their life management skills including depression and anxiety. For example, they can struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. A variety of these issues can result in low self-esteem and relationship issues. In the end, it can be difficult for them to open up about their challenges and seek assistance. This could lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to form friendships or interact with others. They may skip social events, not attend appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They may also be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up. It's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act as soon as you can. For women, this may be an “lightbulb moment” which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also assist women focus on their strengths and take steps to improve life management abilities. This could have a positive effect on their professional, personal and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment As girls and women develop into adults, untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and lead to frustration and low confidence. They can also make it difficult for people to deal with adult demands like managing finances and keeping your home in order 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. adult add in women can lead to gender stereotypes about the disorder. Females and females might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms to avoid being judged by the society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed health professional can prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. The first option is stimulant medications, however non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain individuals. Additionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your physician to address related conditions like depression or anxiety. Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus as well as 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 thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. We employ the terms “girls”, “women”, and “womens” to refer to the gender that was established at birth, and not to a person's gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear terms across our content and to avoid confusion for readers. This article is applicable to all those who were assigned males at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our site. Support Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, making them more difficult for doctors to identify. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is essential for women who frequently come up with strategies to help them be normal and meet social expectations. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities, such as making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. They can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress. Girls and women with ADHD can experience low self-esteem and other symptoms such as anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school, work or social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents to assistance with their daily tasks. This can create a cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during adolescence. This can be caused by impulsivity, poor organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexually inappropriate activities and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. As adults, women suffering from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy whether on their own or with a partner. This will help them to understand their challenges and build more positive internal dialogues. It can also help them improve their relationships. Support services can also include specialized programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD and coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage their household responsibilities, and look after their children.