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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls are often faced with a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their daily lives. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle with peer relationships or suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult to recognize and treat them. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as people age. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten. As girls and women grow into adults, they often still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they might blame themselves for their issues. ADHD is a chronic illness and is not like other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women are more likely to cover up their symptoms using methods of coping, but these often fail to work. In addition, changes in hormones during menstrual cycles as well as menopausal 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 in classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines like meal planning, laundry or scheduling. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It's important for healthcare providers to be aware of the different ways that girls and women present with ADHD and to consider whether the presence of anxiety or depression is the cause of their struggles. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and trouble with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like tics or chronic stress. Many women and girls who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They might not think their problems are serious enough issue to seek help, or they may believe 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 when their children are treated for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing difficulty with daily 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 may develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, allowing them to be less visible. This means that their issues with concentration, organisation and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms harder to pick up on. Additionally, they may have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their life like anxiety and depression. For instance, they might struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal. Many of these conditions may cause low self-esteem or relationship problems. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to openly discuss their issues and seek assistance. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with others. They might miss social gatherings, or not attend appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They may even wander off on tangents while talking which makes it difficult for others to follow their lead. It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and act as fast as possible. For women, this could be a “lightbulb moment” which can provide them with an external explanation of their problems and help them accept themselves more fully. It can also assist to identify their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This could be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they reach adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult to manage adult demands, such as managing finances and keeping your 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 can lead to gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD in girls and women. The medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. The most effective medications are stimulants. option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for certain people. In add in adult women , a mix of treatments could be suggested by your physician to address related conditions such as anxiety or depression. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are especially beneficial. Therapy is also an important component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative habits of thinking that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in 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 a person's affirmed gender identity. This is to facilitate the use of a more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to make it easier for readers. This article is applicable to all people who were assigned males at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sex are not mutually-exclusive, and welcome all our readers. Support Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is particularly important for women, who frequently develop coping strategies that help them feel normal and fulfill the expectations of society. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities like keeping daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. They can also be harmful such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and they could be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress. The difficulties that girls and women who suffer from ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss and depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings may lead to being unable to attend school or work activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents to assistance with their daily tasks. This could lead to an addiction and reliance that can be difficult to break. As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD may be at greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or a failure to utilize contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual activity, and are at a higher risk of domestic violence and the exploitation of. As adults, women suffering from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, either individually or with an individual or with a partner. This can help them to identify their struggles and develop more positive internal conversations. This can also aid in improving their relationships. Support services could also include specialized programs for mothers and pregnant women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD maintain their jobs, manage their household responsibilities, and care for their children.