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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause various issues for girls and women. They may feel unable at work, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from depression or anxiety. They also tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than girls and women but the gap between genders narrows as people age. It's crucial that those who suffer from ADHD issues don't feel neglected or ignored. As girls and women mature into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances, 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. ADHD is a chronic disorder unlike other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women tend to mask symptoms with coping techniques, but they often result in a negative effect. In addition, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded and losing track of time, difficulty paying attention during class or work and trouble with daily routines such as food preparation, laundry 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 women and girls can be diagnosed with ADHD and think about whether depression or anxiety contributes to the difficulties. It's also critical that people who suffer from ADHD be assessed by a physician or other qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical background to rule out other issues. For weblink , some people with ADHD have additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and difficulty with social interactions and relationships. It's also common for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues, such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They might not think their issues are serious enough problem to seek assistance, or they may believe their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem, among other external factors. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are often 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 that mask their symptoms, allowing them to be less well-known. This means that their issues with concentration, organisation and impulsivity can go unnoticed for years. Women are more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize their symptoms. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their lives, such as anxiety and depression. For instance, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be caused 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. It can be difficult for those with these conditions to discuss their problems and ask for assistance. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They may miss social events or fail to show on time for appointments, and fail to discern body language or recognize the non-verbal signals of others. They may also be inclined to go off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to keep up. For these reasons, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act as soon as possible. For women, this can be an “lightbulb moment” that can give them an external explanation for their struggles and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It can also assist them to focus on their strengths and take 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, resulting in frustration and low self-esteem. They may also make it harder to manage the demands of adulthood, such as managing finances, keeping a 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 can create gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which could lead to women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD in women and girls. The medications regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant medications are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. In adhd symptoms in adult women , a mix of treatments might be recommended by your physician to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, as well as reduce stress, anxiety and other issues with mood that are common in people with ADHD. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful. Therapy is also an essential part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and modify negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. We employ the words “girls”, “women”, and “womens” to refer to the gender that was established at birth, and not to the person's gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear terms across our content and to reduce confusion for readers. This article applies to people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender people and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive and welcome all readers to our site. Support Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. This is because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to determine. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization, rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is essential for women who typically develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies may include healthy actions like keeping daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. However, they can also be harmful, such as binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress. The challenges that women and girls who suffer from ADHD confront can result in feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoiding school and work, or social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This can lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is hard to break. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This could be due the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a failure to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be forced into sexual activities that are not desired, and are at a greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women who suffer from ADHD can often benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy in a couple or on their own with a partner. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It can help them improve their relationships. Support services can include coaching to teach parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or parenting. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and look after children.