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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to various issues for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, struggle with peer relationships, and suffer from depression or anxiety. They are also better at developing coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. This makes it more difficult to recognize and treat them. Symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is decreasing as people age. This is why it's critical that people suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or abandoned as they grow older. As girls and women grow into adults, they typically remain troubled by their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances as well as keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships. Years of untreated ADHD can also take a toll on their self-esteem and mental health, as they blame themselves for their problems. In contrast to other mental disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies for coping however, these strategies often fail. In addition, hormonal changes during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes may make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD can be characterized by inattention or forgetfulness or having trouble paying attention in class, and having difficulties in daily routines such as meal planning, scheduling, or laundry. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms can include rushing through tasks, jumping from one task to another or making rash decisions. It is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the various ways that girls and women present with ADHD, and consider whether depression or anxiety contributes to the difficulties. It is also essential that those with ADHD be evaluated by a doctor or other qualified healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms and medical history to rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health issues like depression or anxiety, a low self-esteem, and difficulties with social relationships and relationships. It's also common for people with ADHD to have co-occurring physical health issues such as tics, chronic stress and fibromyalgia. Many women and girls who have ADHD aren't diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't take them seriously. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem. In some cases, girls and women with ADHD are diagnosed only when their children are diagnosed with ADHD, or they don't receive a diagnosis until they reach their 40s or 50s and have difficulties with their daily activities. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood and can 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 also have coping strategies that mask their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as frequently. This means that their problems with organization, concentration and impulsivity could remain unnoticed for a long time. Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it difficult to recognize the signs. There are also co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, like depression and anxiety. For instance, they might struggle to manage their emotions, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these conditions can result in a low self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. In the end, it can be difficult to talk about their challenges and seek assistance. This can delay the diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, it's normal for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and communicating with others. They may miss social events and fail to show to appointments, and are unable to discern body language or read other people's nonverbal cues. high functioning adhd in women may even go off on tangents while talking and make it difficult for others to follow them. It is essential to get a proper diagnose and take action as quickly as you can. It could be a “lightbulb” moment for women. It will help them to understand their difficulties and make them feel more comfortable with themselves. It can also assist to identify their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This can have a positive effect on their personal, professional and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has read the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can impact the personal and professional life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. Symptoms can interfere with relationships and work performance, resulting in feelings of self-doubt and frustration. They can also make it harder to cope with 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 could create gender-based stereotypes about the disorder, which can lead to women and girls suppressing or hiding their own symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by society. There are a variety of effective treatments available for ADHD in women and girls. A licensed health professional can prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant medications 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 doctor to address related conditions such as depression or anxiety. Lifestyle adjustments, in addition to medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus, and also reduce stress and anxiety. Group activities, like group fitness classes or team sports classes, are particularly beneficial. Therapy is also a crucial element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial for improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. We use the terms “girls”, “women” and “womens” to refer to the gender that was assigned at birth, not to the person's gender identity. This is to provide more consistent and clear terms across our content and to avoid confusion for readers. This article applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB), and to transgender people and nonbinary people. We acknowledge that gender and sex are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content. Support Women and those who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) who suffer from ADHD are more likely than men to be misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed. It's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms which makes it more difficult for doctors to determine. There are also signs that aren't apparent to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This is particularly important for women, who typically develop coping strategies that help them feel normal and conform to social norms. These coping mechanisms can include healthy actions like making phone reminders or keeping a daily calendar. They could also be harmful, like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, and have issues with relationships and chronic stress. Women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or abdominal pain. These issues can lead to being unable to attend school, work, or social activities. They may also become dependent on their parents to assist them with their daily tasks. This can create a cycle of dependence and reliance that can be difficult to break. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual activities with non-consensual partners in the adolescent period. This could be due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or a failure to use contraception. They are also more likely to be pushed into unintentional sexual activity and are more vulnerable to domestic violence and the exploitation of. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults can benefit from medications to treat symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek therapy in a couple or on their own with a partner. This can help them to identify their struggles and build more positive internal conversations. It can also help them improve their relationships. Support services can include programs specifically designed for pregnant and parenting women with ADHD as well as coaching to help them develop parenting skills. These programs can make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and manage their home responsibilities, and care for children.