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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls are often faced with a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms affect their lives. They may feel unable at work, have difficulty with peer relationships and suffer from anxiety or depression. They are also more adept in establishing coping mechanisms that cover their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people get older. This is why it's critical that people suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or ostracized as they grow older. As girls and women grow into adults, they frequently still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances and keeping their home clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also impact their confidence in themselves and mental health, since they blame themselves for their issues. Unlike some other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a chronic condition. Girls and women are more likely to mask symptoms with coping techniques, but they often backfire. In addition, hormone changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded and losing track of time, difficulties paying attention in classes or at work, and having trouble 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 crucial for healthcare professionals to be aware of the different ways women and girls present with ADHD and to consider whether the presence of anxiety or depression is contributing to their difficulties. It's also crucial that people who suffer from ADHD be assessed by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who can examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem and trouble with social interactions and relationships. It's also normal for adults with ADHD to suffer from other health issues that are co-occurring such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. Many women and girls with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they're not taken seriously by teachers, family or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to warrant seeking help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or a lack of self-esteem. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or don't receive a diagnosis until they're in their 40s or 50s and have major difficulties with daily activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, and they can be faced with challenges when it does happen. 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 coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as frequently. It is possible that girls' issues with concentration, organization and impulsivity could be overlooked over a number of years. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may have trouble controlling their emotions, and this can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these issues cause a loss of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. This means it can be difficult for them to open up about their struggles and seek help. This can result in delays in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with other people. They might miss social events, not show up for appointments, and have trouble reading body language. They could even wander off on tangents while talking which makes it difficult for others to follow their lead. In adhd symptoms in women , it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and take action as soon as possible. This can be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also aid women to recognize their strength and take steps to improve life management skills. This could be beneficial to their professional, personal and family lives. The article is medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, resulting in anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also make it difficult to manage the demands of adult life, such as managing finances, keeping your home clean and in good 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 about the disorder. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being stigmatized by the society. There are effective treatments for ADHD in women and girls. Medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. The first option is stimulant medications, however nonstimulants may also be effective for certain people. Your doctor might recommend a combination treatment to treat related conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders. In addition to medications lifestyle changes can aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and focus, and reduce stress, anxiety and other mood issues that are common among people with ADHD. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial. Therapy is also an important component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and modify negative habits of thinking that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender at birth (AFAB) instead of a person's affirmed 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 male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary individuals. We recognize that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our site. Support Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), with ADHD, are more likely than males to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it 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 is crucial for women who often develop coping strategies to feel normal and to meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms can include healthy activities such as setting phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. However, they can also be unhealthy like binge eating or a drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may experience anxiety or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress. The difficulties that women and girls with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoidance of school or work activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This could lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with nonconsensual partners during the adolescent period. This is due to impulsivity, poor organization, or the inability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and they can be at higher risk for domestic violence and the exploitation of. As adults, women suffering from ADHD are often able to benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also get therapy, individually or in a group. They can begin to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It can also help them improve their relationships. Support services can include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to work and manage their home responsibilities, and care for children.