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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause a variety of problems for girls and women. They may feel incompetent at work, have difficulty with peer relationships or experience anxiety and depression. They are also better at developing strategies to manage 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 those suffering from ADHD issues don't feel abandoned or ostracized when they reach adulthood. As women and girls grow into adulthood They continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have difficulty managing their finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem in the long run, and they might blame themselves for their troubles. Contrary to other psychiatric disorders ADHD is a chronic condition. Girls and women tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies for coping that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms usually are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing track of time, difficulty paying attention during classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines like food preparation, laundry or scheduling. 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 many ways girls and women present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties. It's also critical that people with ADHD be assessed by a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate their symptoms and medical history to rule out other issues. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as problems with social interactions and relationships. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health issues like chronic stress or tics. Many girls and women suffering from ADHD do not receive a diagnosis because they're not taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are a result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Others are not diagnosed until they are in their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing problems with daily life. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood, and they can be faced with challenges when it does happen. 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 and lead to them not being noticed as much. It is possible that girls' problems with organization, concentration, and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of years. Women are more likely to be affected by high-functioning ADHD. This makes it harder to detect the symptoms. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives like anxiety and depression. For example, they can have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. Many of these issues contribute to a lack of self-esteem and problems with relationships. This means it is often difficult to talk about their struggles and seek assistance. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. In addition, it's common for people with ADHD to have difficulty making friends and communicating with other people. They might miss social gatherings, fail to show up for appointments, and have difficulty reading body language. They may even be prone to going off on tangents when they're talking, making it difficult for others to keep up. In these circumstances, it's crucial to receive a thorough diagnosis and act as soon as possible. It could be an “lightbulb” moment for women. It will help them to understand their struggles and accept themselves better. It can also assist women to focus on their strengths and to adopt steps to improve their life management skills. This can be beneficial to their professional, personal and family lives. Huma Sheikh MD has reviewed the article. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional life of girls and women as they enter adulthood. The symptoms can impact relationships and work performance. They can lead to frustration and low confidence. adhd traits in women may also make it difficult to handle the demands of adult life including 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 lead to gender-based stereotypes regarding the disorder. This can result in girls and women suppressing or hiding their own symptoms in order to avoid getting stigmatized by society. There are effective treatments for ADHD for both genders. Medications control brain activity and control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. The most popular choice is stimulant medication, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for some people. Your healthcare professional may also suggest a combination treatment to treat related disorders like anxiety or depressive disorders. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Group activities, like team sports or group fitness classes, are particularly beneficial. Therapy also is part of the treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial to improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of a person's affirmed gender identity. To make our content more uniform and clear, and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. This article applies to all those who were assigned males at birth, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. We acknowledge that gender and sexuality are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our content. Support Women and those with female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to be undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. This is because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, making them more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have signs that seem less obvious to others, such as inattention or disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is especially important for women, who often develop coping strategies that allow them to feel normal and meet societal expectations. These coping mechanisms can include healthy things like setting reminders for phone calls or keeping a daily calendar. They can also be unhealthy such as binge-eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, and may suffer from relationship problems and chronic stress. The challenges that girls and women who suffer from ADHD face can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety or physical complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings can result in avoidance of school and work, or social activities. They may also become dependent on their parents to help them with their daily chores. This can lead to a cycle of dependency and dependence on others that is difficult to break. As they grow older, girls and women with ADHD might be at a greater risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This is due to impulsivity, poor organization, or a failure to utilize contraception. They are also more likely to be pressured into sexual activities that are not desired, and they are at a higher risk of domestic violence and sexual exploitation. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and strategies for coping. They can also seek help from a therapist in a couple or on their own with an individual or with a partner. This will help them to identify their struggles and create more positive internal dialogs. This will also help improve their relationships. Support services may also include specialized programs 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 work and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.