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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, have difficulty with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety. They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to cover their ADHD symptoms, making it difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects both men and boys at a higher rate than girls and women, the gender gap narrows as people get older. This is why it's vital that those suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or ostracized as they grow older. As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house 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. Unlike some other mental disorders, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Girls and women are more likely to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often fail to work. Additionally, hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can include inattention or forgetfulness, having trouble paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulties with 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 crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the various ways women and girls can present with ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties. It's important that people with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can look at their symptoms and medical history, and rule out other conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and difficulty with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like tics or chronic stress. Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their teachers, families or friends don't treat them as seriously. They may not believe that their problems are serious enough problem to seek assistance or they might believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style, low self-esteem or other external factors. In some cases women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they don't receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and are experiencing significant difficulty with day-to-day living activities. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They may also have issues if detected. 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 develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms, allowing them to be less visible. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of years. Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify their symptoms. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives like anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions. This is often by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy and menopausal. A lot of these issues could lead to low self-esteem or relationship issues. It can be difficult for those with these conditions to talk about their problems and ask for assistance. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with other people. They may miss social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up with them. It is crucial to receive a proper diagnose and take action as quickly as you can. For women, this can be an “lightbulb moment” that gives them an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also help women to recognize their strength and adopt steps to improve their life management abilities. This can be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment As girls and women grow into adults untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their professional and personal lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it harder to manage the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping your home clean and in good 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 stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Women and girls might then conceal or minimize their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for ADHD for girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your doctor to treat related issues such as depression or anxiety. Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial. Therapy is also a crucial part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To ensure that our content is more clear and consistent and to avoid confusion among our readers, we use this terminology. This article applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender people and nonbinary people. treatment for adhd in women acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive and welcome all readers to our site. Support Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to identify. They may also have signs that seem less obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization instead of excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is essential for women who frequently develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies may include healthy actions like making daily schedules or setting phone reminders. But they can also be harmful like excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed. They may also suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem, or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can cause the avoidance of school or work activities. They could also become more reliant on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. That can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and dependence on others that's hard to break. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This could be due to impulsivity, poor planning, or an inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexually inappropriate activities and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. As adults, women suffering from ADHD can often benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also seek out therapy, either individually or with a partner. This will help them to recognize their issues and build more positive internal conversations. It can help them improve their relationships. Support services can also include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD to keep their jobs, take care of their responsibilities at home and look after their children.