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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women often face many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their daily lives. They may feel unprepared at work, struggle with peer relationships, or suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it harder to be diagnosed and treated. Symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as people age. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved as they grow older. As girls and women develop into adults, they frequently still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing their finances, keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they might blame themselves for their problems. ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other mental disorders. Women and girls tend to mask their symptoms with coping strategies that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as inattention or forgetfulness and having difficulty paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble with daily routines like meal 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 essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the many ways that girls and women suffer from ADHD and think about whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues. It is crucial that those with ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. They can evaluate their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. Certain people with ADHD also have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety as well as low self-esteem and issues in social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems such as anxiety or chronic stress. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by family members, teachers or friends. They may not think that their problems are a serious enough to seek help, or they may believe their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s, and are having problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They can also be faced with challenges if recognized. 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 develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms which allows them to be less visible. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity might be unnoticed for a period of time. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to recognize. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. For example, they can find it hard to control their emotions, and this can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Many of these conditions can cause a loss of self-esteem and issues with relationships. It can be difficult for these people to openly discuss their issues and seek help. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to form friendships or interact with other people. They might miss social gatherings, or not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They may also be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up. It is essential to get a proper diagnose and take action as quickly as possible. For women, this may be an “lightbulb moment” that gives them an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also aid women to recognize their strengths and to make changes to improve their life management skills. This can positively impact their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal life of girls and women as they reach adulthood. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to manage adult demands, like managing finances, maintaining a clean home, or 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, in turn, can create gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This could lead to girls and women suppressing or hiding their own symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by society. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for ADHD in women and girls. The medications control brain activity and to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments may be recommended by your doctor to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression. Alongside medication lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and also reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial. Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflicts 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. This is to provide clearer and more consistent terminology across our content and to avoid confusion for our readers. However, this article also applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our website. 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. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to determine. They might also exhibit symptoms that are less apparent to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is particularly crucial for women, who typically create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy things like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. But they can also be unhealthy like binge eating or a drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress. Girls and women with ADHD can experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. inattentive add in women can result in being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This could lead to an addiction and reliance that can be difficult to break. In adolescence, girls as well as women with ADHD are at a higher risk for sexual activity with non-consensual partners. This is due to insanity, poor organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are also more susceptible to being pushed into unwanted sexual activity, and they are at a higher risk of domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to manage symptoms and strategies for coping. adhd in adult women test can also seek therapy, either individually or with an individual or with a partner. This can help them learn to identify their struggles and create more positive internal dialogues. This can also help improve their relationships. Support services can also include coaching for parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD maintain their jobs, handle their household responsibilities, and look after their children.