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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause many issues for girls and women. They may feel unprepared at work, have difficulty in social relationships or experience anxiety and depression. They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms Although research shows that ADHD affects boys and men more often than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people age. such a good point is the reason it's crucial that those suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or unloved when they reach adulthood. As women and girls develop into adults, they often remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing their finances and keeping their home clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health as they blame themselves for their problems. ADHD is a chronic illness unlike other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope that can backfire, but they often do. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD can include the inability to remember things or being oblivious and having difficulty paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulties with daily routines like scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the various ways that girls and women present with ADHD, and consider whether depression or anxiety contributes to the difficulties. It is crucial that those with ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out other illnesses. For instance, some people with ADHD have additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and difficulty 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 with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by their teachers, families 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 poor parenting, low self-esteem or other external factors. In some instances, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are treated for ADHD or they do not receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and have difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can be faced with 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 may also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of years. Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to identify their symptoms. There are also co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. For example, they can have trouble controlling their emotions, and this can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal. A lot of these issues could cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. This means it is often difficult for them to speak up about their issues and seek assistance. This could delay diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They may skip social gatherings, fail to show up for appointments, and have trouble understanding body language. They may even be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up. It is crucial to receive a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as possible. For women, this can be an “lightbulb moment” that can give them an external explanation of their problems and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also aid women focus on their strength and take steps to improve life management abilities. This can be beneficial to their work, family and personal lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional lives of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They can make it difficult to cope with adult demands, such as managing finances and keeping your home in order, 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 can result in stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Women and girls might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being judged by the society. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for ADHD both in girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for certain people. Additionally, a combination of treatments could be suggested by your physician to treat related issues such as anxiety or depression. Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful. Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the words “girls” and “women” to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To make our content more consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. This article is applicable to all those who were male at birth, which includes transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our website. Support Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to hide symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. They might also exhibit symptoms that are not evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is essential for women who typically develop strategies for coping to feel normal and to meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy actions like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily schedule. They could also be harmful, such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may experience low self-esteem and other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to the avoidance of school or work activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents to help with everyday tasks. This can result in a cycle of dependency and dependence on others that's difficult to break. As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD are at a higher risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This is due to insanity, poor organization, or the inability to utilize contraception. They are also more susceptible to being pushed into unintentional sexual activity and they can be more vulnerable to domestic violence and the exploitation of. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also seek out therapy whether on their own or with an individual or with a partner. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It will also help them improve their relationships. Support services may also include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs and household responsibilities and look after children.