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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel unprepared at work, have difficulty in relationships with peers or experience anxiety and depression. They are also more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Symptoms Although research shows that ADHD affects both men and boys more often than girls and women however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. It's crucial that those who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel isolated or forgotten. As women and girls grow into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also affect their confidence in themselves and mental health, because they blame themselves for their troubles. In contrast to other mental disorders, ADHD is a chronic condition. Women and girls are prone to mask their symptoms with strategies for coping that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms usually include being forgetful or absentminded and losing track of time, difficulties paying attention during classes or at work and difficulty 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 is crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the various ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to think about whether comorbid depression or anxiety is contributing to their problems. It's also critical that people with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who can evaluate their symptoms and medical background to rule out other issues. For instance, some people with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues like anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues like chronic stress or tics. Many women and girls with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by teachers, family or friends. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or don't receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having significant difficulty with day-to-day living activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. They can also have issues 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 can also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with concentration, organization and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of time. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to recognize. They may also suffer from co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including depression and anxiety. For example, they can find it hard to control their emotions, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. A lot of these issues could lead to low self-esteem or relationships problems. This means it is often difficult to talk about their issues and seek help. This could lead to delays in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with others. They may skip social events, not attend appointments, and have trouble understanding body language. They may also be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up with them. It's important that you get an accurate diagnosis and act as fast as possible. This could be an “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them recognize their struggles and accept themselves better. It also allows them focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This can have a positive impact on their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment As women and girls develop into adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their professional and personal lives. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can make it difficult to manage adult demands, such as managing finances, keeping a home in order or 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 regarding the disorder. This could lead to women and girls suppressing or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid getting stigmatized by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and help to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The first option is a stimulant, however nonstimulants are also effective for certain people. Your doctor may suggest a combination therapy to treat related conditions such as anxiety or depressive disorders. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and reduce stress, anxiety and other issues with mood that are which are common in people suffering from ADHD. adhd in women uk that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports, are particularly helpful. Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients identify and modify negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the words “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To ensure that our content is more uniform and clear and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. This article applies to all people who were assigned males at birth, including transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our website. Support Women and people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. This is because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to identify. They might also exhibit symptoms that are not apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This is particularly important for women, who typically develop coping strategies that make them feel comfortable and fulfill the expectations of society. These strategies for coping may include healthy actions like making daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. But they can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel anxious over, depressed, or overwhelmed and suffer from relationship issues and chronic stress. The difficulties that women and girls with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss, anxiety, depression, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They could also become more reliant on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. This can result in a cycle of dependency and reliance on others that's difficult to break. As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This could be due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to use contraception. They are also more susceptible to being pushed into unwanted sexual activity, and they are at higher risk for domestic violence and the exploitation of. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also receive therapy on their own or in partnership. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It can help them improve their relationships. Support services may also include specialized programs for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to work and household responsibilities and take care of children.