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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls often face a wide range of challenges when untreated ADHD symptoms impact their lives. They may feel inadequate at work, experience difficulties in relationships with peers, or suffer from depression and anxiety. They are also more adept in developing coping mechanisms to cover their ADHD symptoms, which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects men and boys more frequently than girls and women but the gap between genders narrows as people age. This is the reason it's crucial that those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or unloved as they grow older. As women and girls develop into adults, they frequently continue to have trouble with their ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances and keeping their home clean, or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their confidence in themselves and mental health, as they blame themselves for their problems. ADHD is a chronic disorder, unlike some other psychiatric disorders. Women and girls tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope, but they often backfire. 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 symptoms typically include being forgetful or absentminded in the sense of losing track of time, difficulties paying attention during classes or at work, and having trouble with daily routines like 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's crucial that healthcare providers are aware of the various ways that girls and women suffer from 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 can evaluate their symptoms and medical background to rule out other conditions. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties with relationships and social interaction. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues, such as chronic stress or tics. Many women and girls who have ADHD aren't diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to need help. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are a result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. Women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s, and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life 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 develop coping mechanisms that disguise their symptoms which allows them to be less well-known. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity may be ignored for a long time. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms harder to detect. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. They may be unable to manage their emotions. This can be exacerbated by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. Many of these conditions may result in low self-esteem and relationship issues. It can be difficult for these people to discuss their problems and ask for help. This can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and interacting with others. They might miss social gatherings, fail to attend appointments, and have trouble reading body language. They may even be prone to going off on tangents when they're talking, making it more difficult for others to keep up. For these reasons, it's essential to obtain a correct diagnosis and take action immediately. This can be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It can help them understand their struggles and help them accept themselves more. It can also help women to recognize their strengths and to make changes to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive impact on their work, family and personal lives. simply click for source has read the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the professional and personal lives of girls and women as they reach adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They can also make it difficult for people to manage adult demands like managing finances, keeping a home in order 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 lead to gender stereotypes regarding the disorder. Girls and women might then conceal or minimize their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD in girls and women. Medicines regulate brain activity and to manage symptoms. They can be prescribed by a certified healthcare professional. The first option is a stimulant, however nonstimulants are also effective for certain individuals. Your doctor may recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety disorders. Lifestyle changes, in addition to medication management, can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial. Therapy is also an important element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and change negative habits of thinking that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To ensure that our content is more clear and consistent, and to avoid confusion among readers we use this term. This article applies to all people who were male at birth, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually-exclusive, and we welcome all of our readers. 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. That's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to spot. They may also have symptoms that aren't evident to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This is particularly crucial for women, who frequently create coping mechanisms to help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These coping strategies may include healthy actions such as maintaining a daily schedule or setting reminders for phone calls. They can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD might feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed, and may have relationship issues and chronic stress. The challenges girls and women with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as abdominal pain or headaches. These feelings can result in being unable to attend school and work, or social activities. They may also be more dependent on their parents to help with everyday tasks. This can lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break. In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This could be due to the impulsiveness of their lives, insufficient planning, or an inability to utilize contraception. They are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activities, and can be at greater risk of domestic violence and exploitation. As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from medication and coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also seek help from a therapist, either individually or with a partner. This can help them learn to understand their challenges and create more positive internal conversations. This will also help improve their relationships. Support services can also include coaching to teach parenting skills, as well as specialized programs for women with ADHD who are pregnant or have children. These programs can help women suffering from ADHD keep their jobs, take care of their household responsibilities, and look after their children.