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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 unable at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression. They also have a better chance of developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat them. Signs and symptoms While research confirms ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than women and girls but the gap between genders narrows as people age. This is the reason it's crucial that those suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or unloved as they grow older. As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their self-esteem and mental health since they blame themselves for their problems. ADHD is a chronic condition unlike other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often result in a negative effect. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically are characterized by being forgetful or numb and losing track of time, difficulties paying attention during classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines, such as 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 various ways that girls and women suffer from ADHD and also consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms, medical history and rule out other conditions. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and problems with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health problems such as tics or chronic stress. Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They may not think 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. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach 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, resulting in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be overlooked over a number of time. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. They can also have co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including depression and anxiety. For instance, they may find it hard to control their emotions, and this can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. It is often difficult for people with these conditions to discuss their problems and seek help. This could delay diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They might not attend social events and fail to show on time for appointments, and fail to read body language or pick up on the non-verbal signals of others. They may also be prone to going off on tangents when they're talking, making it difficult for others to keep up with them. For these reasons, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act immediately. For women, this may be a “lightbulb moment” which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It can also help women to focus on their strengths and to make changes to improve their life management skills. This could be beneficial to their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional lives of girls and women as they reach adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, and cause frustration and low confidence. They may also make it harder to manage the demands of adult life like managing finances, keeping the 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 about the disorder. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by society. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for ADHD for girls and women. A licensed health professional can prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. In addition, a mix of treatments might be recommended by your healthcare professional to treat related issues such as anxiety or depression. In addition to medication lifestyle changes can also help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports, are particularly helpful. Therapy is also an essential element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. This is to provide the use of a more consistent and clear terms across our content and to reduce confusion for our readers. This article applies to all individuals who were assigned male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex 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 men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to hide symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that seem less obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is particularly crucial for women, who often create coping mechanisms to help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These coping mechanisms may include healthy things like making phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. But they can also be unhealthy, such as binge eating or a drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and suffer from relationship issues and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem, or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings can lead to avoiding school or work, as well as social activities. They could also become more dependent on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. This can result in an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance on others that's difficult to break. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent years. This can be caused by the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to use contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unintentional sexual activity and are at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of. As adults, women who suffer from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek help from a therapist, either individually or with partners. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships. Support services could include programs specifically designed for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. attention deficit disorder in women will make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and take care of children.