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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel unprepared at work, experience difficulties in social relationships, or suffer from anxiety and depression. They are also better at developing strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat them. Symptoms Although research shows that ADHD affects boys and men more often than women and girls however, the gap between the genders shrinks as people age. This is the reason it's crucial that people with ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or abandoned when they reach the age of adulthood. As girls and women develop into adults, they often continue to have trouble with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also impact their confidence in themselves and mental health, because they blame themselves for their troubles. Unlike some other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Girls and women are more likely to cover up their symptoms using coping techniques, but they often fail to work. In addition, hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes could make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can manifest as the inability to remember things or being oblivious and having difficulty paying attention in classes, and having trouble with daily routines, such as meal planning, scheduling or washing. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the different ways women and girls present with ADHD and to determine if anxiety or depression are contributing to their difficulties. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can look at their symptoms, medical history and rule out other conditions. For instance, some people with ADHD have additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and trouble with social relationships and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like chronic stress or tics. Many women and girls with ADHD don't receive a diagnosis 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 may think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. In some instances, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are diagnosed with ADHD, or they are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood, and they can face challenges 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 can develop coping mechanisms that disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less noticed. This means that their problems with concentration, organisation and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time. Women are also more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms more difficult to recognize. They can also have co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to control their emotions. This can be exacerbated due to hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Many of these issues contribute to a lack of self-esteem and issues with relationships. In the end, it is often difficult to talk about their struggles and seek assistance. This could lead to a delay in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or interact with others. They might miss social events, not attend appointments, and have difficulty reading body language. They might even be prone to going off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up with them. For these reasons, it's important to get a proper diagnosis and take action as soon as you can. For women, this can be an “lightbulb moment” that can give them an external explanation for their difficulties and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It can also help women to focus on their strengths and to take steps to improve life management abilities. This can be beneficial to their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can impact the professional and personal life of girls and women as they grow into adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to anxiety and low self-esteem. They may also make it more difficult to handle 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 regarding the disorder. Females and females may then suppress or hide their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society. Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for ADHD both in girls and women. A licensed health professional can prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant drugs are the first option, however non-stimulants may also be effective for some people. Your doctor may suggest a combination treatment to treat related disorders such as anxiety or depressive disorders. Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus, and also reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be especially beneficial. adult female adhd symptoms is also an essential part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also be beneficial in improving communication and resolve conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. To ensure that our content is uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to all those who were assigned males at birth, including transgender people and those who are nonbinary. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content. Support Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. This is because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, so they're more difficult for doctors to recognize. They also might have symptoms that aren't obvious to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is important for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and meet social expectations. These coping mechanisms can include healthy things like setting phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. They can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and suffer from relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges that women and girls with ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoidance of school and work, or social activities. They could also become more reliant on their parents for help with daily tasks. This can result in an environment of dependency and reliance on others that is difficult to break. As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This could be due the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or a lack of ability to make use of contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unintentional sexual activity and they can be at higher risk for domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Women with ADHD who are adults may benefit from medications to treat symptoms and coping techniques. They can also get therapy, individually or in a group. They can learn to understand themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. It will 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 can make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home and take care of children.