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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women with undiagnosed ADHD frequently have low self-esteem. They struggle to meet social expectations, and often internalize their discontent. They can also suffer emotional distress, including the sensitivity to rejection. They are more likely to engage risky behavior. ADHD symptoms can also change during hormonal changes like menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. This can make it harder to determine. Symptoms Women may be unable to recognize their ADHD symptoms because they are often masked. This can lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and a misguided treatment may cause more problems than it solves. Many women also report difficulty diagnosing themselves, particularly in adulthood. This could be because the criteria for diagnosing were formulated on the basis of research done with males. Certain experts are working to improve the criteria. Symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD in women can be quite similar to symptoms in men. Many people with ADHD have difficulty concentrating and listening. They might forget important tasks or misplace things. They can spend hours organizing their home or office space, but not keep up. They are easily distracted by sounds or other activities. People suffering from ADHD may have difficulty relaxing and worry excessively about their own or others. When women and girls suffer symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD it can impact the entirety of their lives. They may have difficulty at school or at work, and also have difficulties with their relationships with their partners and friends. They might be afflicted with low self-esteem and anxiety, which is why they might turn to unhealthy coping strategies like drugs or alcohol. Undiagnosed ADHD could cause confusion and frustration in relationships between family, friends and coworkers. Teachers and coaches may be critical of them or feel unfairly treated at work. ADHD can make it difficult to focus and complete tasks on time. Over time many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have developed strategies for coping. They may work until the early morning hours to complete their work, or hide from their loved ones their struggles. When they discover that their struggles are the result of ADHD, it is like a lightbulb moment. They can then use their strengths to overcome their challenges (such as creativity and high levels of energy). Having undiagnosed ADHD can have a long-term impact on the person's career, life and relationships. It can cause social isolation, financial instability as well as depression. Some people with undiagnosed ADHD develop a dependence on stimulants like amphetamines and cocaine. This can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. Diagnosis Many women with ADHD are not diagnosed because the symptoms are harder to recognize in women than they are in men. This could be because women are more reluctant to inform health professionals about their struggles and more likely to use coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms. These coping mechanisms may involve changing behavior for example, like putting in extra hours at work or at school to compensate for their lapses on the subject or relying on productivity tools to help them stay focused and on the right track with tasks. These coping methods might be effective in the short run but they can be exhausting and unsustainable. Additionally, due to gender stereotypes about what women ought to be as, a lot of people don't think that the woman they know could be suffering from ADHD. Certain symptoms can be worsened due to hormonal changes like menstrual or pregnancy. This can lead to women being dismissed or viewed as being moody and emotional. This further exacerbates the anger of these women. The most frequently undiagnosed signs of ADHD for women include inattention, forgetfulness as well as impulsivity, an ability to switch from one task to the next and have difficulty keeping relationships. Women with undiagnosed ADHD are also more likely to experience coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Symptoms of these conditions can be confused with those of ADHD and may result in an incorrect diagnosis and treatment. The common symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can make it difficult to identify the condition. The symptoms of anxiety are feelings of restlessness, difficulty concentration and a constant feeling that something isn't right. adhd symptoms in women and inattention of ADHD are not present in anxiety disorders. For women who are not diagnosed with ADHD, receiving a professional diagnosis can be a game-changer. In a number of studies, women reported that their symptoms diminished after they received an expert diagnosis. They stopped blaming themselves for their difficulties and began to view their problems as something they could take control of. It takes time to diagnose ADHD, but it is worth the waiting. Treatment of ADHD with therapy and medication can improve relationships, prepare women for success at work and school and give them a better understanding of themselves. Treatment Women and girls have different ADHD symptoms than men. This can make it difficult to identify and treat. They also may be better in masked symptoms and making it more difficult to get help or support. It can be difficult to remember appointments or complete work at work or school, and have problems in relationships. They may also be at higher risk of being pushed to engage in sexually inappropriate activities or being the victim of intimate partner violence, because they aren't able to recognize and responding to their own emotions. Early diagnosis and a successful treatment can make a huge difference for these women. A study from 2020 showed that an undiagnosed or late diagnosis can have lasting negative impacts on the emotional and social health of a woman, as well as her ability to form and keep healthy relationships. It can also affect her sense of control over her life and self-worth. Studies have found that many women reported feeling more relaxed and more accepting of themselves after being diagnosed with ADHD and receiving treatment. It is important to remember that research has proven that women with undiagnosed ADHD are less confident and less likely to seek assistance than their male counterparts. They are also more likely to blame their problems with attention, impulsivity and organization on their own or social factors, rather than their ADHD. In addition to medication, there are various treatment options available for adults with ADHD. The most common are cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy. CBT helps people identify and alter negative thoughts and behaviors, while DBT provides skills to improve mindfulness and self-acceptance. Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which combines elements of these therapies along with instruction in strategies to improve concentration and focus is a second alternative. This treatment is available in either individual or group sessions and is specifically designed for adults with ADHD. Note: In this article, the term “women” is used to mean people who were assigned female at birth regardless of their gender identity. Also, it refers to those who are male at birth as “men”, to include all gender identities. Support Many people who suffer from ADHD feel a sense of anxiety or a lack of understanding about their symptoms. Women are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed as a result of the way ADHD manifests in women. This is due to social pressures as well as hormonal changes and other factors. This can lead to ineffective or inappropriate treatment, and a higher risk of developing mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In contrast to men, who might suffer from impulsive and hyperactive symptoms more often, women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms in the workplace or school. They can learn to work late into the night and utilize productivity apps to hide their lack of attention. These coping mechanisms can have a negative impact on self-esteem, and ultimately the quality of your life. The process of diagnosing women with ADHD can be complicated and frustrating. The standard ADHD criteria were created for men and might not accurately reflect all the symptoms women suffer from. Many women with undiagnosed ADHD have been misdiagnosed as having other conditions such as anxiety or depression. Clara was no different. Clara was intelligent, hardworking and dedicated to her profession. However she was unable to meet deadlines and was overwhelmed by the demands of her job. She believed that her mistakes were her fault, and that she wasn't sufficient enough. Her confidence shattered was a knock-on effect of undetected ADHD. It was a shock when she was diagnosed having adult ADHD. Clara finally understood that her issues were not her own personal flaws. She could stop looking at them as signs laziness, and start to consider her ADHD thread as a thread that can be tied into an effective professional and personal life. As women's ADHD becomes more widely known, it will become increasingly important to include them in research and treatment initiatives. This is especially true in the area of sexually-specific treatment, as the latest research is focused on understanding the role gender plays in the disorder and developing medication that works well for women. This should lead to better diagnosis and treatment for women with undiagnosed ADHD.