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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls often face a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel unsatisfied at work, have difficulty with relationships with peers and suffer from anxiety or depression. They also do better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat them. Symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as people get older. It's important that adults with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten. As girls and women grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also impact their self-esteem and mental health because they blame themselves for their problems. ADHD is a chronic disorder and is not like other mental disorders. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using coping techniques, but they often fail to work. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being impulsive or forgetful and losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work, and having trouble 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 is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways girls and women suffer from ADHD and think about whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues. It's important that people with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD are also suffering from mental health issues like depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and difficulty with social interactions and relationships. It is also common for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues, such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. Many women and girls with ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by family members, teachers or friends. They may not think that their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance or they might believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style, low self-esteem or other external factors. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and can have issues when it does occur. 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 that mask their symptoms, allowing them to be less visible. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration, and impulsivity could be overlooked over a number of time. Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect the symptoms. Moreover, they can have co-occurring illnesses that affect their life management skills, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may struggle to manage their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these issues contribute to a lack of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. This means it can be difficult to talk about their struggles and seek assistance. This can result in delay in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with others. They may skip social events, not show up for appointments, and have difficulty understanding body language. They may even go off on tangents while talking and make it difficult for others to follow them. It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as you can. It could be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It also allows to identify their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This could be beneficial to their professional, personal and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment As girls and women grow into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance and result in feelings of anxiety and frustration. They can also make it difficult for people to manage adult demands, like managing finances and maintaining a clean home 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 create gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This could lead to women and girls avoiding or hiding their own symptoms in order to avoid getting stigmatized by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD for both genders. A licensed health professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. The first choice is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants are also effective for certain people. Additionally, a combination of treatments could be suggested by your healthcare professional to treat related issues like depression or anxiety. In addition to medications, lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Group activities, such as group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial. Treatment also includes therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships. We use the terms “girls”, “women” and “womens” to refer to the gender that was established at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. This is to facilitate the use of a more consistent and clear terminology across our content and to reduce confusion for readers. This article applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers. Support Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. They may also have signs that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is especially important for women, who typically develop coping strategies that make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy activities such as setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily schedule. They can also be harmful like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem or other symptoms like depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to the avoidance of school or work activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents to help them with their daily tasks. That can create an environment of dependency and reliance on others that's difficult to break. In adolescence, 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 impulsivity, poor planning, or a lack of ability to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into unwanted sexual activities, and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women suffering from ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy on their own or in a partnership. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also help improve their relationships. Support services may also include coaching for parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. adhd symptoms for women can make it easier for women with ADHD to work, manage responsibilities at home, and care for children.