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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls are often faced with many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel incompetent at work, experience difficulties in social relationships or experience depression and anxiety. They are also more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that cover their ADHD symptoms, which makes it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people age. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or abandoned when they reach the age of adulthood. As girls and women grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances or keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their confidence in themselves and mental health, since they blame themselves for their troubles. In contrast to other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a chronic condition. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope, but they often backfire. In addition, hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can include forgetfulness or being absentminded or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties with daily routines, such as scheduling meals, meal planning or doing laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the many ways women and girls present with ADHD and to consider whether anxiety or depression are the cause of their struggles. It is also essential that those with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional who can assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. Certain people with ADHD have mental health issues like depression or anxiety as well as low self-esteem and difficulties with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health problems such as anxiety or chronic stress. Many women and girls with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by family members, teachers or friends. They might not think their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance, or they may believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, or any other external factors. Some girls and women 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 experiencing difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women are not often 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 also develop strategies to manage their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as often. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may go unnoticed over a period of time. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to recognize. Moreover, they can suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationships problems. In the end, it is often difficult for them to speak up about their issues and seek assistance. This can delay the diagnosis and treatment. It's also normal for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or communicate with others. They might miss social engagements and fail to show on time for appointments, and fail to discern body language or read the non-verbal signals of others. They might even be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up. It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and act as swiftly as you can. It could be an “lightbulb” moment for women. adhd in women adult will help them to understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also help them to focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This can be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment As women and girls develop into adults, untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their professional and personal lives. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They may also make it harder to cope with the demands of adulthood, such as managing finances, keeping your 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, in turn, can result in gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which could lead to women and girls avoiding or hiding their own symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD for both genders. The medications regulate brain activity and control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. Your healthcare professional may also recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports, are particularly helpful. Therapy is also a crucial part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative habits of thinking that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the words “girls” and “women” to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To make our content more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. This article applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers. 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 women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to spot. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is important for women who frequently develop strategies for coping to be normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy things like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily calendar. However, they can also be unhealthy such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and they could have relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges girls and women with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss, anxiety, depression or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to assist them with their daily tasks. This can lead to an addiction and reliance that is difficult to break. Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual companions during the adolescent period. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or a failure to make use of contraception. They are also more susceptible to being pushed into unintentional sexual activity and they are at a higher risk of domestic violence and sexual exploitation. As adults, women suffering from ADHD typically benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also seek help from a therapist whether on their own or with a partner. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It will aid them in improving their relationships. Support services can also include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.