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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle in relationships with peers, or suffer from anxiety and depression. They also tend to be better in developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms Although research shows that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people get older. It's crucial that those with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored. As women and girls develop into adults, they typically continue to have trouble with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also impact their self-esteem and mental health, because they blame themselves for their troubles. ADHD is a chronic disorder and is not like other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often fail to work. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can include forgetfulness or being absentminded or having trouble paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble with daily routines, such as food planning, scheduling, or laundry. 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 that girls and women present with ADHD and to consider whether the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their difficulties. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. They can look at their symptoms, 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 relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues, such as tics or chronic stress. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their teachers, families or friends don't take them seriously. They might not think their issues are serious enough to seek help, or they may 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 when their children are treated for ADHD or are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They also may 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 noticed. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity may go unnoticed over a period of time. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms harder to recognize. Additionally, they may have co-occurring conditions that impact their life management skills, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their moods, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal. Many of these issues contribute to a lack of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It can be difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and seek help. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and interacting with other people. They might not attend social events or fail to show up for appointments and can't detect body language or read other people's nonverbal signals. They may even wander off on tangents when talking and make it difficult for others to follow their lead. In these circumstances, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and get it as soon as possible. This could be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also aid women to recognize their strengths and to take steps to improve life management abilities. This could be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article. Treatment As girls and women grow into adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and cause anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can also make it difficult to cope with the demands of adulthood including managing finances, keeping your home organized 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 stereotypes regarding the disorder. Females and females may then suppress or hide their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. The first option is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants are also effective for certain individuals. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your healthcare professional to treat related issues such as anxiety or depression. Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial. Therapy is also an essential part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and modify 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 terms “girls” and “women” to refer to gender determined 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 readers we use this term. This article applies to all individuals who were male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers. Support Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and suffer from ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. They may also have symptoms that aren't obvious to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is especially important for women, who typically develop coping strategies that allow them to feel normal and fulfill the expectations of society. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities such as keeping daily schedules or setting phone reminders. However, they can also be harmful, such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and may be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can experience low self-esteem or other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. These feelings can result in being unable to attend school or work, as well as social activities. They may also become dependent on their parents to help them with their daily tasks. This can create a cycle of dependence and reliance that is hard to break. Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with non-consensual partners in adolescence. This could be due to the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and can be at greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy either on their own or in a partnership. iampsychiatry.uk can help them to identify their struggles and create more positive internal dialogues. It can aid them in improving their relationships. Support services could include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.