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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have low self-esteem. adhd symptoms for women struggle to live up to society's expectations, and often feel their frustration with life. They also may suffer from emotional distress like sensitivity to rejection. This makes them more likely to engage in risky behaviors. ADHD symptoms may also change in response to hormonal changes, like menstruation or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. This makes it harder to identify. Symptoms Women may have difficulty identifying their ADHD symptoms, since they are often hidden. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and incorrect treatment could cause more issues than it solves. Many women report having difficulties getting diagnosed especially as adults. This could be due to the fact that the criteria for diagnosing were formulated on the basis of studies conducted on males. Some experts are working to improve the criteria. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms for women are usually similar to those of males. Many people with ADHD struggle with concentration and listening. They may forget important tasks or get lost items. They could spend long hours organizing their work or home space, but do not manage to keep up with it. They are easily distracted by sounds or other activities. People who suffer from ADHD can have trouble relaxing, and they may worry over their health and the safety of others. Undiagnosed ADHD can affect girls and women in all aspects of their lives. They may experience difficulties at school or at work, and have problems with their friendships and romantic relationships. They might suffer from low self-esteem or anxiety, and may use unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or drugs. Undiagnosed ADHD can increase frustration and misunderstandings in relationships with friends, family, and coworkers. Teachers and coaches might criticize them or they may be unfairly treated at work. Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult to concentrate on tasks and meet deadlines. Over the years, many people with undiagnosed ADHD have developed strategies to cope. They might be up late at night to get ahead of their work or hide their problems from family members. It's like a lightbulb when they realize that their problems are due to ADHD. They can then utilize their strengths to overcome difficulties (such as creativity and high levels of energy). Undiagnosed ADHD can have a lasting impact on a person's life, career, and relationships. It can lead to financial instability, social isolation and even depression. Some people who suffer from ADHD who aren't diagnosed, develop an addiction to stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine. This can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke. Diagnosis Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed because symptoms are more difficult to detect in women than in men. This could be due to the fact that women are less inclined to disclose to health professionals what they're going through and are more likely to resort to coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. These strategies for coping could include changing their behavior, such as working extra hours at school or at work to compensate for their inability to focus or employing productivity tools to keep themselves organized and on track with their tasks. These coping methods might be effective in the short-term however they are usually exhausting and not sustainable. In addition, due to gender stereotypes about what women ought to be as, a lot of people don't realize that the woman they know could have ADHD. Some symptoms can be worsened by hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy or menopause. This can lead to women being viewed as moody and overly emotional. This further exacerbates the angst of these women. The most commonly undiagnosed symptoms of ADHD for women include inattention, forgetfulness, impulsivity, a tendency to jump between tasks and have difficulty keeping relationships. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to have co-existing disorders, like anxiety and depression. Symptoms of these conditions could be confused with symptoms of ADHD and may result in wrong diagnosis and treatment. It can be difficult to determine the cause of anxiety and ADHD because they share a variety of symptoms. The signs of anxiety include feeling of agitation, trouble in concentrating, and a constant sense that something isn't right. Anxiety disorders don't have the impulsivity or lack of attention that is characteristic of ADHD. A diagnosis from a professional of undiagnosed ADHD can have a profound impact on women. Women in several studies have reported that their symptoms decreased after they received an assessment. They stopped blaming themselves for their struggles and began to see their problems as something they could take control of. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is a long process, but the payoff is great. The treatment of ADHD by utilizing therapy and medication can improve relationships, set women up for success at work and school and give them greater insight into themselves. Treatment Girls and women have different ADHD symptoms than males. This makes it difficult to identify and treat. It is also possible that they are better at hiding their symptoms, making it more difficult to get assistance or support. This could include having trouble remembering appointments, failing to finish tasks at school or at work, and having issues with relationships. They are more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual behaviour or become victims of abuse from intimate partners because they are unable to identify and respond to their own feelings. The good news is that early diagnosis and effective treatments can make a difference for these women. A study from 2020 found that a missed diagnosis or a late diagnosis can have long-lasting negative impacts on the emotional and social health of a woman, as well as her ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. It can also impact her sense of control over her life and self-worth. Many of the women in these studies reported feeling a sense relief and increased self-acceptance after receiving a diagnosis and treatment for their ADHD. This is particularly important as research has shown that women with undiagnosed ADHD have lower self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment than their male peers. They are more likely to blame their difficulties with impulsivity, attention, and organization on personal or societal factors, rather than their ADHD. In addition to medications, there is many treatment options for adults with ADHD. The most well-known are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). CBT assists people in identifying and change negative attitudes and behaviors, whereas DBT teaches skills to increase mindfulness and self-acceptance. Neurocognitive Psychotherapy, which combines elements of these therapies with training in strategies to improve focus and concentration is another option. This treatment can be delivered in individual or group sessions, and it is specifically geared to adults with ADHD. Note: This article uses the term “women” to refer to females who were assigned at birth, regardless of their gender identity. It also refers to those assigned male at birth as “men” to be inclusive of all gender identities. Support Many people with ADHD feel a sense of anxiety or a lack of understanding about their symptoms. Because social pressures and hormonal changes dramatically influence the way ADHD manifests in women, it's common for females to be undiagnosed, misunderstood, or misdiagnosed. This can lead to a lack of effectiveness or improper treatment, as well as an increased likelihood of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms than men who tend to be hyperactive or impulsive more often. They may become adept at working late into the night, and rely on productivity apps to hide their inattention. The problem is, these coping mechanisms take a negative effects on self-esteem and eventually affect the quality of life. The process of diagnosing women suffering from ADHD can be difficult and confusing. The traditional ADHD criteria were developed by men, so they might not always capture the full range of symptoms that women experience. As a result, many women with undiagnosed ADHD are misdiagnosed with other conditions like anxiety and depression. Clara was not different. Clara was intelligent and hardworking, as well as committed to her work. But she was unable to meet deadlines and was overwhelmed by the demands of her job. She believed that her failures were her own fault and believed that she was not good enough. Her confidence shattered was a direct result of a nebulous ADHD. When she was diagnosed with adult ADHD, it was a revelation. Clara realized that her challenges weren't her own personal failings. She could stop looking at them as laziness-related signs, and start to see her ADHD thread as a thread that can be tied into an authentic professional and personal life. As awareness of the various differences in the way ADHD manifests in women, the need to promote inclusion within research and treatment programs will become increasingly important. This is particularly true when it comes to specific treatments for sex, as new research is focused on understanding how gender influences the disorder and identifying medications that work well for women. It is hoped that this will lead to a better treatment and diagnosis for women with undiagnosed ADHD.