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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for girls and women. adhd traits in women may feel unsatisfied at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from anxiety or depression. They also tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that mask their ADHD symptoms, which makes it harder to be diagnosed and treated. Symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as we age. It's crucial that those with ADHD issues don't feel neglected or forgotten. As girls and women mature into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances or keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health, because they blame themselves for their problems. Contrary to other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a chronic condition. Girls and women tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies for coping, but these often backfire. Additionally, hormonal changes during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal symptoms could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms usually are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing track of time, difficulties paying attention during classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines such as 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 is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the many ways girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression can be a contributing factor to these issues. It is also essential that those with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health issues like anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues, such as tics or chronic stress. Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. They might not think their problems are serious enough issue to seek help or they might believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, among other external factors. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or they do not receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and have major difficulties with daily activities. Diagnosis Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They may also be faced with challenges 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 also have strategies to manage their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as often. adhd in women signs is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity might be unnoticed for a period of years. Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the symptoms. There are also co-occurring disorders that hinder their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions. This can be exacerbated because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. A variety of these issues can result in low self-esteem and relationship problems. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to talk about their problems and seek assistance. This can delay diagnosis and treatment. It's also normal for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or communicate with others. They might miss social engagements or fail to show up for appointments and can't detect body language or pick up on other people's nonverbal signals. They might even wander off on tangents while talking and make it difficult for others to follow their lead. It's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and act as soon as possible. This can be an “lightbulb” moment for women. adhd traits in women will help them to understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It can also aid women to focus on their strengths and to make changes to improve their life management skills. This can positively impact their professional, personal and family lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. 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 anxiety and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to deal with adult demands, like managing finances and keeping your home in order 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. Females and females may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being judged by the society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD for both genders. A licensed healthcare professional is able to prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, but non-stimulants could also be effective for some people. Your doctor may suggest a combination therapy to treat related disorders, such as anxiety or depressive disorders. Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, and reduce anxiety, stress and other mood issues which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Group activities, like group fitness or team sports classes, can be particularly beneficial. Therapy is also part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and modify 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 gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. To ensure that our content is consistent and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. This article is applicable to all people who were assigned male at birth, including 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) and suffer from ADHD, are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed or never diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization, rather than excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is essential for women who typically develop coping strategies to be normal and meet social expectations. These coping strategies could include healthy activities such as setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily schedule. But they could also be harmful, such as excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women with untreated ADHD may experience anxiety, depressed, overwhelmed, and may be suffering from issues with relationships and chronic stress. Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted with low self-esteem or other symptoms like depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to the avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also become more dependent on their parents for help with daily tasks. This could lead to an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is hard to break. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with non-consensual companions during the adolescent years. This could be due to impulsivity, poor organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activities, and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek out therapy, either individually or with a partner. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a positive internal dialogue. It can help them improve their relationships. Support services may 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 maintain jobs and household responsibilities and take care of children.