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10 Quick Tips For ADHD In Women
Challenges of ADHD in Women and Girls

Untreated ADHD symptoms can cause many issues for women and girls. They may feel unsatisfied at work, have difficulty with relationships with peers 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 diagnose and treat them.

Symptoms

While research confirms ADHD affects both men and boys more often than girls and women but the gap between genders narrows as people get older. This is the reason it's crucial that people suffering from ADHD sufferers don't feel neglected or unloved when they reach the age of adulthood.

As girls and women develop into adults, they often still struggle with their ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing finances, keeping their homes clean or maintaining healthy relationships. Untreated ADHD can impact their mental health and self-esteem over time, as they might blame themselves for their problems.

In contrast to other psychiatric disorders, ADHD is a condition that lasts for a lifetime. Girls and women tend to mask their symptoms with coping strategies however, these strategies often fail. Additionally, hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as menopausal and pregnancy can make it difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive-type ADHD symptoms usually include being impulsive or forgetful, losing track of time, difficulties paying attention in classes or at work and difficulty 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 is crucial that healthcare professionals are aware of the different ways that girls and women present with ADHD and also consider whether depression or anxiety contributes to the difficulties.

It is crucial that those with ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms, medical history and rule out other illnesses. Some people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety or depression or low self-esteem, as well as problems with social interactions and relationships. It's also normal for people with ADHD to suffer from other health issues that are co-occurring such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia.

Many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are not diagnosed because their parents, teachers or friends don't treat them as seriously. They may not believe that their issues are serious enough to seek help or they might believe their ADHD symptoms are the result of a poor parenting style or low self-esteem, among other external factors. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children receive treatment for ADHD. Others aren't diagnosed until they reach their 40s or their 50s and are experiencing difficulty with daily living activities.

Diagnosis

Women often do not get 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 can also develop coping strategies that mask their symptoms, which can result in them not being noticed as much. This means that their problems with concentration, organisation and impulsivity can be ignored for a long time.

Women are also more likely to be diagnosed with high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms more difficult to detect. They can also have co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to manage their lives, including anxiety and depression. They may find it difficult to manage their emotions. This can be exacerbated because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy and menopausal.

Many of these conditions can contribute to a lack of self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It can be difficult for those with these conditions to talk about their problems and ask for help. This can delay diagnosis and treatment.

It's also common for people with ADHD to have trouble making friends and communicating with other people. They may skip social gatherings, or not show up for appointments, and may have difficulty reading body language. They could even wander off on tangents while talking, making it difficult for others to follow them.

It's important that you get an accurate diagnosis and take action as quickly as you can. For women, this may be a "lightbulb moment" which can provide them with an external explanation for their difficulties and allow them to accept themselves more fully. adhd in adults women can also help women to recognize their strength and take steps to improve life management skills. This could be beneficial to their family, work and personal lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD.

Treatment

Untreated ADHD can affect the personal and professional lives of women and girls as they enter adulthood. These symptoms can impact relationships and work performance, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. They may also make it difficult to handle the demands of adult life, 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 lead to stereotypes of gender about the disorder. Girls and women may then suppress or hide their symptoms to avoid being judged by the society.

There are, thankfully, effective treatment options available for ADHD for girls and women. A licensed healthcare professional can prescribe medications that regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. The first choice is a stimulant, however nonstimulants may also be effective for some people. Your doctor may suggest a combination therapy to treat related disorders like depression or anxiety disorders.

Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help control ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters which boost concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, such as group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful.

Therapy is also an essential part of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to their ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can be beneficial in improving communication and resolve conflicts in relationships.

At Verywell Health, we use the terms "girls" and "women" to refer to the gender assigned at birth (AFAB) instead of the person's gender-specific identity. This is to facilitate the use of a more consistent and clear language across our content, and to reduce confusion for our readers. This article applies to all those who were assigned male at birth, which includes 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 people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or have a misdiagnosis than men. This is because women and girls tend to conceal their symptoms, which makes them more difficult for doctors to recognize. There are also signs that are not apparent to others. For instance, inattention and disorganization rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity.

This masking is important for women who frequently develop coping strategies to feel normal and to meet social expectations. These strategies of coping can include healthy actions, such as keeping daily schedules or setting reminders on phones. But they can also be harmful like binge eating or substance abuse. Women with untreated ADHD may feel anxious or depressed, and overwhelmed and have issues with relationships and chronic stress.

The challenges girls and women who suffer from ADHD have to face can lead to feelings of low self-esteem depression, anxiety, or somatic complaints like headaches or abdominal pain. These issues can cause being unable to attend school or work, as well as social activities. They could also become dependent on their parents to help them with daily tasks. This can lead to an environment of dependency and dependence on others that's hard to break.

As they grow older, girls and women who suffer from ADHD might be at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with non-consensual partners. This can be caused by insanity, poor organization, or a failure to use contraception. They are more likely to be pulled into sexually inappropriate activities and can be at greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Women suffering from ADHD who are adults may benefit from medication to manage symptoms and techniques for coping. They can also seek out therapy, either individually or with partners. This can help them to recognize their issues and develop more positive internal conversations. This can also help improve their relationships.

Support services could also include special programs for mothers who are pregnant or with ADHD, as well as coaching to teach them parenting skills. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to maintain jobs and household responsibilities, and care for children.

Read More: https://mercer-newell-2.hubstack.net/15-things-you-didnt-know-about-high-functioning-adhd-in-women