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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for women and girls. 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 conceal their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects boys and men at a higher rate than women and girls however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people get older. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or ignored. As women and girls grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances and keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their self-esteem and mental health over time, as they may blame themselves for their troubles. Unlike some other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Women and girls are prone to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope however, these strategies often fail. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded, losing track of time, difficulties 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's important for healthcare providers to be aware of the various ways girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD and to consider whether anxiety or depression are contributing to their difficulties. It is crucial that those with ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. They can look at their symptoms, medical history and rule out other conditions. Some people with ADHD have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties in social interactions and relationships. It's also common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women who have ADHD are not diagnosed because their teachers, families or friends don't treat them as seriously. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to need help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Some girls and women are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach 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 may also develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as often. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be ignored for a long time. Women are also more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms more difficult to pick up on. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. They may have difficulty to control their emotions. This is often by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. A variety of these issues can result in low self-esteem and relationship issues. In the end, it can be difficult for them to open up about their challenges and seek help. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or communicate with others. They might not attend social events and fail to show on time for appointments, and fail to detect body language or recognize other people's nonverbal cues. They may even be prone to going off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up with them. It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis and act as fast as possible. For women, this may be a “lightbulb moment” which can provide them with an external explanation for their struggles and help them accept their own uniqueness. It can also help women to recognize their strengths and to make changes to improve their life management skills. This could positively impact their family, work and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article. Treatment As girls and women grow into adults, untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their professional and personal lives. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, and result in frustration and low confidence. They can also make it difficult to deal with adult demands, like managing finances, 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 can result in gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD in women and girls. Medications regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first choice is stimulant medication, but nonstimulants are also effective for certain people. In addition, a combination of treatments might be recommended by your healthcare professional to treat related disorders such as depression or anxiety. In addition to medication lifestyle changes can also aid in the management of ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and also reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, such as group fitness classes or team sports classes, can be especially beneficial. Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients identify and change negative habits of thinking that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling is also helpful in improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. We use the words “girls”, “women”, and “womens” to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, rather than to a person's gender identity. To make our content more clear and consistent, and to avoid confusion among our readers we employ this term. However, this article also applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB), and 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 females at birth (AFAB), with ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. It's because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to identify. There are also signs that are less evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization, instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is important for women who typically develop coping strategies to be normal and meet social expectations. These strategies of coping can include healthy activities such as keeping daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. But add in women test can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and they could be suffering from relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges that women and girls who suffer from ADHD confront can result in feelings of self-esteem loss and depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to avoidance of school, work, or social activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents for assistance with their daily tasks. This can lead to an addiction and reliance that can be difficult to break. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activity with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This could be due to impulsivity, poor organization, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults can benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also receive therapy on their own or in partnership. This will help them to understand their challenges and develop more positive internal dialogues. This will also help improve their relationships. Support services can 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 keep their jobs, take care of their household responsibilities, and take care of their children.