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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 unsatisfied at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety. They are also more adept at building coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Symptoms Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys more frequently than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. It's important that adults with ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or forgotten. As girls and women grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also impact their self-esteem and mental health, because they blame themselves for their issues. ADHD is a chronic condition and is not like other mental disorders. Women and girls are prone to hide their symptoms by using coping strategies, but these often backfire. Furthermore, hormonal changes that occur during menstrual periods as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can be characterized by inattention or forgetfulness or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulty with daily routines, such as meal planning, scheduling 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 that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression is contributing to these difficulties. It is also essential that those with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical background to rule out other medical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties with social relationships and relationships. It is also common for adults with ADHD to suffer from other health issues that are co-occurring such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. adhd in young women and girls with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they aren't taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They may not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They may also have issues if discovered. 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 can also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as frequently. This means that their issues with concentration, organisation and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time. Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect their symptoms. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives including depression and anxiety. For instance, they may find it hard to control their emotions, which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these conditions can cause a loss of self-esteem and issues with relationships. It is often difficult for these people to talk about their problems and ask for assistance. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or communicate with others. They may miss social events, not attend appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They may also be prone to wander off on tangents when they're talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them. It's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and take action as soon as you can. This can be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also help them to focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This could have a positive impact on their work, family and personal lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance. They can lead to anxiety and a lack of confidence. They can make it difficult to manage adult demands, like managing finances, keeping your home in order 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 lead to gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by the society. There are a variety of effective treatment options available for ADHD in women and girls. The medications regulate brain activity and control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first option is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants may also be effective for some people. Additionally, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your doctor to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression. Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial. Therapy is also a crucial part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and modify negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships. We use the words “girls”, “women” and “womens” to refer to the gender that was established at birth, not to the person's gender identity. This is to provide more consistent and clear terms across our content and to avoid confusion for readers. However, this article also applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB), and to transgender people and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content. Support Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB) and suffer from ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. This is because women and girls tend to hide their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that are not evident to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization, instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is essential for women who often develop strategies for coping to be normal and meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy activities such as setting phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. However, they could also be harmful such as binge eating or a drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and may have relationship issues and chronic stress. Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school, work, or social activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents for help with daily tasks. That can create an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's difficult to break. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This could be due to insanity, poor organization, or a failure to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexually inappropriate activities and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. As adults, women with ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, individually or in a group. This can help them to identify their struggles and develop more positive internal dialogs. This can also aid in improving their relationships. adhd in young women could also include specialized programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD and coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and household responsibilities and take care of children.