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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD typically have low self-esteem. They struggle to live up to social expectations and then internalize their anger. They can also suffer from emotional stress, such as rejection sensitivity. This can cause them to be more likely to engage in risky behavior. ADHD symptoms can also change with hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. This can make it harder to identify. Symptoms Women may have difficulty identifying their ADHD symptoms, as they are often hidden. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and incorrect treatment could cause more issues than they resolve. Many women have difficulties in getting diagnosed, especially when they are adults. This could be because the criteria for diagnosing were developed based on studies conducted on males. high functioning adhd in women are working on improving these criteria. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms for women are typically similar to the symptoms of males. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with concentration and listening. They may forget important tasks or get lost items. They can spend hours organizing their home or office space, but fail to keep up. They are easily distracted by sounds or other activities. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty settling down and worry excessively about themselves or others. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect women and girls in all aspects of their life. They can have trouble in the workplace or at school and struggle with friendships and romantic relationships. They might be afflicted with low self-esteem and anxiety, so they may resort to unhealthy strategies for coping like alcohol or drugs. Undiagnosed ADHD could cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between family, friends and coworkers. They can be criticized by teachers and coaches, or feel they are treated unfairly at work. Having ADHD can make it difficult to focus on tasks and meet deadlines. Over the years, many people with undiagnosed ADHD have developed coping strategies. They might work until the early morning hours to stay on top of their work, or hide from their loved ones the struggles they face. When they find out that their challenges are because of ADHD it's like a lightbulb moment. They can then use their strengths to overcome their difficulties (such as creativity and high levels of energy). Having undiagnosed ADHD can have a long-term impact on the life of a person, their career, and relationships. It can lead to social isolation, financial instability, and even depression. Certain people with ADHD who aren't diagnosed have an dependence on stimulants, such as amphetamines or cocaine. This can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. Diagnosis Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed because the symptoms are more difficult to spot in women than they are in males. This could be due the fact that women have a harder time talking to health professionals about their issues and are more likely to use strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. These coping strategies may involve changing their behavior, for example, working extra hours at school or at work to make up for their inability to focus or using productivity tools to stay organized and on task with tasks. These strategies for coping can be effective in a short duration, but they are exhausting and do not last long. Many people are unaware of the fact that a woman they know could be suffering from ADHD due to gender stereotypes. Some symptoms may also be worsened by hormonal changes like those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopausal. This can lead women to be misunderstood and dismissed as moody or emotionally overly emotional, which further exacerbates their anger. Some of the most common symptoms that are not diagnosed as ADHD among women are inattention, forgetfulness, impulsivity and an ability to switch from one task to another, and difficulties maintaining relationships. adhd in women treatment is more common in women. They are also more likely than others to suffer from co-existing disorders such as anxiety or depression. The symptoms of these conditions can be confused with those of ADHD and could result in an incorrect diagnosis and treatment. The common symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can make it difficult to identify the condition. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness, difficulties in concentrating and a constant feeling that something is not right. The impulsivity and inattention that are characteristic of ADHD are not present in anxiety disorders. A diagnosis by a doctor of undiagnosed ADHD can be life-changing for women. In several studies, women reported that their symptoms diminished after receiving an official diagnosis. They stopped blaming themselves for their own problems and began to look at their problems as something they could take control of. The process of determining if you have ADHD takes time, but the payoff is great. Treatment of ADHD through psychotherapy and medication can improve relationships, aid women succeed in school and work, and provide them with a better understanding of themselves. Treatment Women and girls have different ADHD symptoms as do males. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat. It is also possible that girls are better in hiding their symptoms, which makes it harder to seek assistance or help. This could include forgetting appointments, being unable to complete work or school, and experiencing difficulties in relationships. They may be more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual behaviour or become victims of abuse by intimate partners because they're unable to recognize and respond to their own emotions. Early diagnosis and a successful treatment can make a big difference for these women. A study in 2020 found that a delayed or missed diagnosis can have long-lasting negative effects on a woman's emotional well-being and ability to form and maintain relationships. It can also affect her self-worth and sense of control. The research found that a lot of women reported feeling more relaxed and more accepting of themselves after receiving a diagnosis for ADHD and receiving treatment. It is important to know that research has shown that women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are less confident and less likely to seek help than their male counterparts. They are also more likely to blame their difficulties with attention, impulsivity and organization on societal or personal factors rather than on their ADHD. Apart from medications, there is many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. The most common are cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy. CBT helps people identify and alter negative attitudes and behaviors, whereas DBT provides skills to improve mindfulness and self-acceptance. Neurocognitive Psychotherapy, which combines elements of these therapies and training in strategies to improve concentration and focus, is another option. This treatment can be found in either individual or group sessions and is designed for adults suffering from ADHD. *Note: In this article, the term “women”, is used to describe those who were assigned a female at birth regardless of their gender identity. It also refers to people who are born male “men” to be inclusive of all gender identities. Support Many people suffering from ADHD are confused or ashamed of their symptoms. Because societal pressures and hormonal changes significantly affect how ADHD presents in women, it's typical for females to be undiagnosed, misunderstood, or not diagnosed. This can lead to ineffective or inappropriate treatment, and a higher chance of developing mood disorders like anxiety and depression. Women are better at hiding their symptoms than men who are more impulsive or hyperactive. They can learn to work late into the night, and use productivity apps to disguise their lack of attention. These coping strategies can have a negative effect on self-esteem, and ultimately the quality of your life. Even when women with ADHD seek help, the diagnostic process can be frustrating and confusing. Traditional ADHD criteria were developed for men, so they might not accurately reflect the full spectrum of symptoms that women suffer from. Many women with undiagnosed ADHD have been misdiagnosed with other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Clara was not an exception. She was a smart, hardworking, and committed to her work. She struggled to meet deadlines and felt overwhelmed with the demands of her work. She believed that her failings were her fault, and that she was not good enough. Her shattered self-confidence was the result of an undiagnosed ADHD. It was a shock when she was diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Clara realized that her struggles weren't her own personal failings. She could no longer view them as a sign of lazyness and look at her ADHD as a thread that can be woven into an effective personal and professional life. As the understanding of the different ways in how ADHD manifests in women grows as well, the need to ensure inclusion within research and treatment initiatives will become increasingly important. This is especially relevant to sex-specific treatment, as new research is focused on understanding how gender influences the disorder and identifying a medications that work well for women. This will hopefully lead to better diagnosis and treatment of women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD.