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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, struggle with peer relationships and suffer from anxiety or depression. They also tend to be better in establishing coping mechanisms that cover their ADHD symptoms, making it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Signs and symptoms The gender gap in ADHD is narrowing as people get older. This is why it's vital that those suffering from ADHD symptoms not feel forgotten or unloved as they grow older. As girls and women grow into adulthood and become adults, they struggle with ADHD symptoms. They may struggle with managing their finances or keeping the house clean, 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 chronic condition. Women and girls tend to hide their symptoms by using strategies to cope, but they often backfire. In addition, changes in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle, and pregnancy can make it more difficult for women to manage their ADHD symptoms. Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms typically are characterized by being forgetful or numb, losing track of time, difficulty paying attention in classes or at work and difficulty with daily routines, such as 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 various ways that girls and women be diagnosed with ADHD, and consider whether comorbid anxiety or depression contributes to the difficulties. It is essential that those suffering from ADHD are examined by a certified healthcare provider. They can evaluate their symptoms as well as their medical history and rule out other illnesses. Certain people with ADHD also suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, low self-esteem, and issues with relationships and social interaction. It is also common for people with ADHD to suffer from co-occurring physical health issues, such as chronic stress, tics and fibromyalgia. Many girls and women with ADHD aren't diagnosed because they aren't taken seriously by their teachers, families or friends. They might not believe that their symptoms are serious enough to need help. Or, they might think that their ADHD symptoms are the result of poor parenting or a lack of self-esteem. Certain women and girls are diagnosed with ADHD only after their children are treated for ADHD. Others 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 adulthood and may 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 can develop coping mechanisms that mask their symptoms which allows them to be less visible. It is possible that girls' issues with concentration, organization and impulsivity might be overlooked over a number of years. Women are also more likely to have high-functioning ADHD, which makes their symptoms harder to detect. Furthermore, they could have co-occurring conditions that impact their life management skills like anxiety and depression. For instance, they might have trouble controlling their emotions, which can be worsened by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal. Many of these conditions may result in low self-esteem and relationships problems. add in adult women can be difficult for these people to openly discuss their issues and ask for help. This can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. It's also common for people with ADHD not to be able to make friends or interact with other people. They might miss social engagements, fail to turn on time for appointments, and fail to read body language or pick up on the non-verbal signals of others. They may even be prone to wander off on tangents while talking, making it harder for others to keep up. It's important that you get an accurate diagnosis and act as swiftly as you can. For women, this can be a “lightbulb moment” which can provide them with an external explanation of their problems and help them accept their own uniqueness. It also allows them to focus on their strengths and take steps to improve their life management abilities. This can be beneficial to their personal, professional and family lives. The article has been reviewed medically by Huma Sheikh, MD. Treatment Untreated ADHD can affect 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 more difficult to manage the demands of adult life, such as managing finances, keeping the home organized and maintaining healthy 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 gender stereotypes about the disorder. Women and girls may then suppress or hide their symptoms to avoid being stigmatized by the society. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options available for ADHD for girls and women. adhd in women and help control symptoms, and can be prescribed by a licensed health professional. Stimulant drugs are the first choice, but non-stimulants can also be effective for certain people. In addition, a combination of treatments could be suggested by your doctor to treat related issues such as anxiety or depression. Lifestyle changes, along with medication management, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise can release neurotransmitters that improve concentration and focus and reduce stress and anxiety. Physical activities that can be enjoyed in groups, like group fitness classes or team sports are particularly helpful. Therapy is also a crucial element of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize and alter negative thought patterns that contribute ADHD symptoms. Couples counseling can also help improve communication and resolve conflicts in relationships. At Verywell Health, we use the terms “girls” and “women” to refer to gender at birth (AFAB) instead of an individual's affirmation of gender identity. To ensure that our content is uniform and clear and to avoid confusion among readers, we use this terminology. However, this article also applies to males assigned at birth (AMAB) as well as to transgender people and nonbinary people. We recognize that sex and gender are not mutually exclusive, and we welcome all readers to our content. Support Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed or receive a false diagnosis than men. It's because girls and women tend to conceal their symptoms, making it harder for doctors to diagnose. They may also have signs that aren't apparent to others, like inattentiveness or disorganization instead of hyperactivity or impulsivity. This masking is especially important for women, who typically develop coping mechanisms that make them feel comfortable and meet societal expectations. These coping mechanisms may include healthy activities such as setting phone reminders or keeping a daily schedule. They could also be harmful, like binge-eating or drug abuse. Women with untreated ADHD might feel anxious over, depressed, or overwhelmed and suffer from relationship issues and chronic stress. Girls and women with ADHD can experience low self-esteem, or other symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or abdominal pain. These issues can cause avoidance of school or work, as well as social activities. They may also be more reliant on their parents to help with daily tasks. This could lead to a cycle of dependence and reliance that is difficult to break. In adolescence, girls and women who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of having sexual relations with non-consensual partners. This is due to the impulsiveness, lack of organization, or inability to make use of contraception. They are more likely to be pushed into unwanted sexual activities, and are at a greater risk of being victims of domestic violence and abuse. As adults, women with ADHD are often able to benefit from coping strategies and medication to manage their symptoms. They can also seek therapy, individually or in partnership. They can gain a better understanding of themselves and develop a more positive internal dialogue. This can also aid in improving their relationships. Support services may also include coaching for parenting skills and specialized programs for women with ADHD who are expecting or parenting. These programs will make it easier for women with ADHD to keep their jobs, manage responsibilities at home, and care for children.