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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for girls and women. They may feel unsatisfied at work, struggle with relationships with peers and suffer from depression or anxiety. They are also better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat them. Symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls, the gender gap narrows as people age. It's important that adults with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten. As women and girls develop into adults, they typically remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their confidence in themselves and mental health, as they blame themselves for their troubles. Unlike some other mental disorders, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded, losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in class or work and trouble with daily routines like laundry, meal planning or scheduling. 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 many ways girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression can be a contributing factor to these issues. It is also essential that those with ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who can examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD suffer from additional mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and trouble with social interactions and relationships. It's also normal for adults with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues, such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by family members, teachers or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. In some cases women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they do not receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and are having significant difficulty with day-to-day living activities. Diagnosis Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They can also have issues if detected. 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 also have strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as much. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may go unnoticed for years. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms harder to detect. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their life management skills like depression and anxiety. For example, they can have trouble controlling their moods, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these issues result in a low self-esteem and problems with relationships. In the end, it can be difficult for them to speak up about their struggles and seek assistance. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to make friends or communicate with others. They might miss social events, not show up for appointments, and have trouble reading body language. They may also be inclined to go off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up with them. It is crucial to receive a proper diagnose and act as fast as you can. For women, this can be a “lightbulb moment” that gives them an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It can also help them focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This can have a positive impact on their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article. Treatment As women and girls develop into adults untreated ADHD can take a toll on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance. They can lead to frustration and low confidence. adhd in women symptoms I Am Psychiatry may also make it difficult to cope with the demands of adult life, such as managing finances, keeping the home tidy 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, in turn, can lead to gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which can result in women and girls suppressing or denying their own symptoms to avoid getting stigmatized by society. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for ADHD for girls and women. Medicines control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first option is a stimulant, however non-stimulants can also be beneficial for some people. Your healthcare professional may also suggest a combination treatment to treat related disorders, such as anxiety or depressive disorders. Alongside medication lifestyle changes can also help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are that are common among people with ADHD. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, can be especially beneficial. Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. We use the terms “girls”, “women”, and “womens” to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, and not to the person's gender identity. To ensure that our content is more consistent and clear and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. However, this article also applies to those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender people and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content. Support Women and people who were assigned females at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to diagnose. They may also have symptoms that aren't evident to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is especially important for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to make them feel comfortable and fulfill the expectations of society. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities, such as keeping daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. They could also be harmful, like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. They may also have relationship issues and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms like depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoiding school and work, or social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to help them with their daily tasks. This can lead to an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's hard to break. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during adolescence. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into unintentional sexual activity and are at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek therapy, individually or in a group. This can help them to recognize their issues and create more positive internal dialogues. It will also help them improve their relationships. Support services can include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.