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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their daily lives. They may feel unable at work, struggle with relationships with peers and suffer from depression or anxiety. They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms Although research shows that ADHD affects boys and men at a higher rate than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people get older. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or abandoned when they reach adulthood. As girls and women develop into adults, they frequently remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their mental health and self-esteem in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their troubles. ADHD is a chronic illness unlike other mental disorders. Girls and women tend to mask their symptoms with strategies to cope that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded and losing track of time, difficulty paying attention during classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines such as food preparation, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-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 the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their problems. It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. 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 like depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and difficulty with social relationships and relationships. adhd in adult women with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like tics or chronic stress. Many women and girls with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they're not taken seriously by family members, teachers or friends. They might not think their problems are a serious enough issue to seek help or may think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, among other external factors. In some instances, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and may face challenges 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 develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms and make them less visible. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might go unnoticed over a period of years. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, including depression and anxiety. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions. This can be exacerbated due to hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Many of these issues contribute to a lack of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and seek assistance. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with other people. They may skip social events, not show up for appointments, and have trouble reading body language. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them. It's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act as soon as you can. For women, this can be an “lightbulb moment” that gives them an external explanation of their problems and help them accept themselves more fully. It can also aid women to recognize their strengths and take steps to improve life management abilities. This can positively impact their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional lives of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance and cause anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can also make it harder to handle the demands of adulthood like 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 result in gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which could lead to women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD for both genders. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. The most popular choice is stimulant medications, however non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain individuals. In addition, a mix of treatments may be recommended by your doctor to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. adhd in adult women 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 recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also helpful in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. To ensure that our content is more clear and consistent, and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. This article applies to all individuals who were assigned males at birth, which includes transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content. Support Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. It's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is important for women who frequently come up with strategies to help them feel normal and to meet social expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy things like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily schedule. They can also be unhealthy like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may experience anxiety or depressed, and overwhelmed and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may experience low self-esteem or other symptoms like depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings can result in avoiding school or work, as well as social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This can result in an unhealthy cycle of dependence and dependence on others that's difficult to break. In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by impulsivity, poor organization, or the inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexually inappropriate activities and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek out therapy whether on their own or with partners. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships. Support services can also include special programs for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD, as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to work and manage their home responsibilities, and care for children.