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Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls Untreated ADHD symptoms can lead to many issues for girls and women. They may feel inadequate at work, have difficulty with relationships with peers and suffer from depression or anxiety. They also do better at creating coping mechanisms to hide their ADHD symptoms. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat them. Symptoms Although research has proven that ADHD affects men and boys at a higher rate than girls and women, the gender gap narrows as people age. It's important that adults with ADHD symptoms don't feel abandoned or ignored. As girls and women grow into adulthood, they continue to struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may have trouble managing finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can affect their self-esteem and mental health in the long run, and they may blame themselves for their issues. Unlike some other mental disorders, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Women and girls tend to cover up their symptoms using strategies to cope that can backfire, but they often do. In addition, hormone changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD can manifest as inattention or forgetfulness and having difficulty paying attention at work or in class, and having difficulties 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 is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the various ways girls and women present with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression can be a contributing factor to these issues. It's important that people with ADHD are evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. They can look at their symptoms, medical history and rule out any other medical conditions. For example, some individuals with ADHD have additional mental health problems such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships and social interactions. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to experience physical health issues, such as chronic stress or tics. Many girls and women who have ADHD aren't diagnosed because their families, teachers or friends don't consider them serious. They may not think their symptoms are serious enough to require assistance. They may also believe that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or low self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only when their children are treated for ADHD. Some aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or 50s and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. They also may be faced with challenges if recognized. 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 strategies to manage their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as much. It is possible that girls' issues with organization, concentration and impulsivity may go unnoticed over a period of time. Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms more difficult to recognize. Additionally, they may have co-occurring illnesses that affect their ability to manage their lives like depression and anxiety. For instance, they might struggle to manage their emotions, which can be exacerbated by hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. A variety of these issues can cause low self-esteem or relationship issues. As a result, it can be difficult to talk about their struggles and seek help. This could delay diagnosis and treatment. It's also normal for people with ADHD not to be able to establish friendships or communicate with others. They might miss social events, not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty reading body language. They might even go off on tangents during conversations and make it difficult for others to follow them. It's important that you get a proper diagnose and act as swiftly as possible. For women, this can be a “lightbulb moment” that gives them an external explanation of their problems and allow them to accept their own uniqueness. It also allows to identify their strengths and make steps to improve their life management skills. This could positively impact their family, work and personal lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment As girls and women develop into adults, untreated ADHD can take a toll on their personal and professional lives. The symptoms can affect relationships and work performance and cause feelings of anxiety and frustration. They can also make it more difficult to cope with the demands of adulthood, such as 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 result in stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Girls and women may then suppress or hide their symptoms to avoid being branded as a victim by society. Fortunately, there are adhd in adults women I Am Psychiatry for ADHD both in girls and women. The medications regulate brain activity and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. The first option is stimulant medication, but non-stimulants can also be beneficial for certain people. Your healthcare professional may also recommend a combination treatment to address related conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders. In addition to medication, lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that increase concentration and focus, as well as reduce anxiety, stress and other mood issues which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Group activities, such as team sports or group fitness classes, can be especially beneficial. Therapy is also an essential component of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thinking patterns that cause their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be helpful in improving communication and resolving conflict in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the words “girls” and “women” to refer to gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To ensure that our content is more uniform and clear and to avoid confusion among readers we employ this term. This article is applicable to all people who were male at birth, which includes transgender and nonbinary people. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we are happy to welcome all readers to our site. Support Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or get a misdiagnosis than men. That's because girls and women tend to hide their symptoms, making them more difficult for doctors to identify. They may also have symptoms that are less apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization instead of the impulsivity or hyperactivity. This masking is important for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and meet social expectations. These strategies of coping can include healthy actions, such as keeping daily schedules or setting reminders for phone calls. But they could also be harmful, such as binge eating or a drug abuse. Women who are not treated for ADHD may feel anxious over, depressed, or overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress. The difficulties that girls and women with ADHD face can contribute to feelings of self-esteem loss depression, anxiety or even somatic complaints such as headaches or abdominal pain. These feelings can result in avoidance of school, work or social activities. They may also become more reliant on their parents to assistance with their daily tasks. That can create a cycle of dependency and dependence on others that's hard to break. Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with non-consensual companions during the adolescent years. This is due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be forced into unwanted sexual activities, and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. Women suffering from ADHD who are adults could benefit from medication to help manage symptoms and coping techniques. They can also get therapy on their own or in a group. This can help them to recognize their issues and develop more positive internal dialogues. This will also help improve their relationships. Support services can include programs specifically designed for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD and coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs can help women with ADHD to work and manage their home responsibilities and take care of children.