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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women often face many challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms interfere with their daily lives. They may feel unable at work, struggle with relationships with peers and suffer from anxiety or depression. They also tend to be better at building coping mechanisms that cover their ADHD symptoms, which makes it difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as we age. It's important that adults who suffer from ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or forgotten. As women and girls develop into adults, they often remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing finances, keeping the house clean and 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 troubles. ADHD is a chronic illness unlike other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls are prone to cover up their symptoms using strategies for coping however, these strategies often fail. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Inattentive-type ADHD can be characterized by the inability to remember things or being oblivious and having difficulty paying attention at work or in classes, and having trouble in daily routines such as scheduling meals, meal planning or doing laundry. 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 girls and women present with ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety can be a contributing factor to these issues. It's important that people with ADHD are assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. They can assess their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For instance, some individuals with ADHD suffer from additional mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health problems such as chronic stress or tics. Many girls and women who suffer from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their teachers, families or friends don't take them seriously. They might not think their issues 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, or any other external factors. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are only diagnosed when their children are diagnosed with ADHD or are not diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are having difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women often do not get diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood and may be faced with 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 may also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms and lead to them not being noticed as often. This means that their issues with organisation, concentration and impulsivity can remain unnoticed for a long time. Women are also more likely to suffer from high-functioning ADHD which makes their symptoms more difficult to recognize. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring conditions that impact their ability to manage their lives including anxiety and depression. They may be unable to manage their emotions. This may be worsened because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Many of these conditions can 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 help. This can cause delays in the diagnosis and treatment. It's also typical for those with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or communicate with others. They may miss social events, not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty understanding body language. They could even wander off on tangents when talking, making it difficult for others to follow them. It is essential to get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as you can. This can be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also aid women to recognize their strength and make changes to improve their life management skills. This can be beneficial to their work, family and personal lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article. Treatment As girls and women grow into adults and adults, untreated ADHD can have a devastating effect on their personal and professional lives. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, resulting in frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to deal with adult demands, such as managing finances, maintaining a clean home, or 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 create gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder, which can lead to women and girls avoiding or denying their own symptoms in order to avoid being branded as a victim by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. Medications regulate brain activity and to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The most popular choice is stimulant medications, however nonstimulants may also be effective for certain individuals. Your doctor may suggest a combination therapy to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. In addition to medication 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 common in people with ADHD. Group activities, such as group fitness or team sports classes, can be especially beneficial. Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive therapy for behavior can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the words “girls” and “women” to refer to gender determined at birth (AFAB) rather than the person's gender-specific identity. This is to provide the use of a more consistent and clear terms across our content and to make it easier for our readers. This article is applicable to all individuals who were assigned male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary people. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our website. Support Females and those who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. It's because women and girls tend to hide symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. They also might have symptoms that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is especially important for women, who often develop coping strategies that allow them to feel normal and conform to social norms. These strategies for coping may include healthy activities such as making daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. But they could also be harmful like excessive eating or abuse of substances. Women who are not treated for ADHD might be overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. They may also have relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges that girls and women who suffer from ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression or physical complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These issues can cause being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents for help with everyday tasks. This can create an unhealthy cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This could be due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to use contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into sexually inappropriate activities and may be at a higher risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women suffering from ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also get therapy, individually or in a partnership. This can help them to identify their struggles and develop more positive internal conversations. visit my web site can also help improve their relationships. Support services could also include coaching to teach parenting skills and programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs can help women with ADHD keep their jobs, manage their responsibilities at home and take care of their children.