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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women often face a variety of issues when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their lives. They may feel incompetent at work, have difficulty with peer relationships or suffer from depression and anxiety. They also do better at creating coping mechanisms to hide their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult to identify and treat them. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is shrinking as people get older. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or ignored. As girls and women mature into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances or keeping the house clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their self-esteem and mental health in the long run, and they might blame themselves for their issues. ADHD is a chronic disorder, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Girls and women tend to mask symptoms with strategies to cope, but they often result in a negative effect. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can include inattention or forgetfulness or having trouble paying attention in classes, and having trouble with daily routines, such as scheduling meals, meal planning or washing. 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 many ways that girls and women present with ADHD and think about whether comorbid anxiety or depression can be a contributing factor to these issues. It is also essential that those with ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or another qualified healthcare provider who will examine their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. Some people with ADHD have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, and issues with social interactions and relationships. It's also common for adults with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not considered serious by family members, teachers or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. In some instances women and girls with ADHD are diagnosed only after their children are treated for ADHD or are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are experiencing major difficulties with daily activities. Diagnosis Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life and may have issues 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 may also develop strategies to cope with their symptoms, resulting in them not being noticed as often. This means that their issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD and this makes their symptoms harder to pick up on. Furthermore, they could suffer from co-occurring disorders that affect their ability to manage their life, such as depression and anxiety. For instance, they may struggle to manage their emotions, and this can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal. A variety of these issues can contribute to a lack of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It is often difficult for those with these conditions to talk about their problems and seek assistance. attention deficit disorder in women can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and engaging with others. They might miss social engagements, fail to turn up for appointments and can't discern body language or read the non-verbal signals of others. add in women test may even wander off on tangents during conversations which makes it difficult for others to follow them. It is essential to get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as you can. For women, this may be a “lightbulb moment” that can give them an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept themselves more fully. It also allows them focus on their strengths and make steps to improve their life management abilities. This can positively impact their work, family and personal lives. The article is reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they grow into adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and cause frustration and low confidence. They may also make it difficult to manage the demands of adulthood like managing finances, keeping a 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 result in gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Females and females might also try to hide or suppress their symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society. There are effective treatment options for ADHD for both genders. Medications control brain activity and manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for some people. In addition, a combination of treatments may be recommended by your healthcare professional to address related conditions like depression or anxiety. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and other mood disorders that are that are common among people with ADHD. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be particularly beneficial. Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolve conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than a person's affirmed gender identity. This is to ensure more consistent and clear language across our content, and to avoid confusion for readers. However, this article also applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) and also to transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sex 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 receive a false diagnosis than men. This is because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose. They might also exhibit symptoms that are less evident to others. For example, inattentiveness and disorganization, instead of excessive impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is essential for women who frequently develop strategies for coping to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities such as keeping daily schedules or setting phone reminders. They can also be harmful like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious over, depressed, or overwhelmed and suffer from relationship issues and chronic stress. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can experience low self-esteem and other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These feelings may lead to being unable to attend school, work, or social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents for help with daily tasks. That can create a cycle of dependency and dependence on others that is difficult to break. In adolescence, girls as well as women who suffer from ADHD may be at greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This is due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to utilize contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into unintentional sexual activity and are more vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual exploitation. As adults, women suffering from ADHD typically benefit from coping strategies and medications to manage their symptoms. They can also get therapy either on their own or in a group. They can gain a better understanding of 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 and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women with ADHD to keep their jobs, handle their responsibilities at home and take care of their children.