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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression. They also do better at creating coping mechanisms to hide their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to recognize and treat them. Symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as we age. This is the reason it's crucial that people suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved when they reach adulthood. As women and girls develop into adults, they typically continue to have trouble with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances and keeping their home clean and maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they may blame themselves for their problems. ADHD is a chronic condition, unlike some other mental disorders. Women and girls are prone to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope, but these often backfire. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can be characterized by forgetfulness or being absentminded, having trouble paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble with daily routines like scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. add in adult women iampsychiatry.uk -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 various ways women and girls present with ADHD and to consider whether anxiety or depression are the cause of their struggles. It's important that people with ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. They can assess 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, low self-esteem and difficulty with social interactions and relationships. It is also common for adults with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues, such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by teachers, family or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood, and they can be faced with 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 may also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as much. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might be unnoticed for a period of time. Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize their symptoms. There are also co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal. A variety of these issues can cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to talk about their problems and seek help. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and communicating with other people. They might not attend social events and fail to show up for appointments and can't discern body language or read other people's nonverbal signals. They might even be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up. It's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act immediately. This can be an “lightbulb” moment for women. It will help them to understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also help to identify their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This could be beneficial to their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article. Treatment As women and girls develop into adults untreated ADHD can have a negative impact on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance. They can lead to feelings of anxiety and frustration. They may also make it more difficult to manage the demands of adulthood, such as managing finances, keeping the 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 gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This can lead to girls and women suppressing or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid getting stigmatized by society. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for ADHD for girls and women. Medications regulate brain activity and help manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The first option is a stimulant, however nonstimulants may also be effective for certain individuals. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions like depression or anxiety disorders. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial. Therapy is also a crucial part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the words “girls” and “women” to refer to gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. This is to facilitate clearer and more consistent terminology across our content and to reduce confusion for our readers. This article applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender people and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our site. Support Women and those 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 conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. They may also have symptoms that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization, instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is crucial for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities, such as maintaining a daily schedule or setting reminders on phones. They could also be harmful, like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and they could have relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges women and girls who suffer from ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can lead to avoiding school and work, or social activities. They could also become more reliant on their parents for help with everyday tasks. That can create a cycle of dependency and reliance on others that is difficult to break. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent period. This could be due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into unwanted sexual activities, and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women with ADHD can often benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, either individually or with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It can aid them in improving their relationships. Support services may include programs specifically designed for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.