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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD have low self-esteem. They struggle to meet social expectations, and often feel their discontent. They may also experience emotional distress, such as rejection sensitivity. This can cause them to be more likely to engage in risky behavior. ADHD symptoms can also change during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal changes. This makes it harder to identify. Signs and symptoms Women may be unable to recognize their ADHD symptoms because they often mask them. This could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, and incorrect treatment could cause more issues than it solves. Many women have difficulty diagnosing themselves, particularly when they reach adulthood. This could be due to the fact that diagnostic criteria are based on studies conducted in males. Certain experts are trying to improve the criteria. Symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD in women can be quite similar to symptoms for men. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble concentrating and listening. They might forget important tasks or misplace things. They could spend hours organising their home or work space, but fail to keep up. They are easily distracted by sounds or other activities. People who suffer from ADHD are prone to having trouble sleeping and may be worried over their health and the safety of others. When girls and women experience symptoms that are not diagnosed as ADHD, it can affect the entirety of their lives. They may be struggling at school or work, and also have difficulties with their romantic relationships and friendships. They may be depressed and anxiety, which is why they might use unhealthy strategies to cope like drugs or alcohol. Undiagnosed ADHD can increase frustration and confusion in relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. They could be judged by teachers and coaches, or feel like they are treated unfairly at work. Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult to focus on tasks and meet deadlines. Over time many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have developed strategies to cope. They may work until the early morning hours to complete their work or hide from their family members their struggles. When they realize that their struggles are the result of ADHD, it is like a lightbulb moment. They can then utilize their strengths to overcome problems (such as creativity and high levels of energy). Undiagnosed ADHD can have a long-lasting impact on a person's life, career and relationships. It can cause financial instability, social exclusion, and even depression. Some people with ADHD, who are not diagnosed have an addiction to stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine. This can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease or stroke. Diagnosis Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed than men, as the symptoms are harder to recognize. This could be due to the fact that women are more hesitant telling health care professionals about their issues and are more likely to use coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms. These strategies can involve changing their behavior, for example, working long hours at school or work to help compensate for their lack of focus, or using productivity tools to stay on top of and on track with their tasks. These strategies might work in the short run however they are usually exhausting and not sustainable. Many people are unaware that women they know might be suffering from ADHD due to gender stereotypes. Some symptoms can be exacerbated due to hormonal changes such as those during menstruation or pregnancy. This can lead to women being dismissed or viewed as moody and emotionally tense. This adds to the frustration of these women. The most frequently undiagnosed signs of ADHD among women are inattention, forgetfulness as well as impulsivity, an ability to switch from one task to the next, and difficulties maintaining relationships. Undiagnosed ADHD is more common among women. They are also more likely than other people to have coexisting conditions such as anxiety or depression. These conditions may manifest symptoms that are similar to ADHD and could cause being treated incorrectly and not correctly. It isn't easy to distinguish between anxiety and ADHD due to the fact that they share many symptoms. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness, difficulty in concentrating and a constant feeling that something is wrong. The impulsivity and inattention of ADHD are not present in the anxiety disorders. A diagnosis from a professional of undiagnosed ADHD could be life-changing for women. In several studies, patients reported that their symptoms diminished after they received an expert diagnosis. The fact that they had an external explanation for their struggles let them stop blaming themselves and begin viewing their own challenges as something they can control. Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is a long process, but the payoff is fantastic. Treating ADHD with medication and therapy can improve relationships, set women up for success at work and school and help them gain a better understanding of themselves. Treatment Girls and women often have different symptoms of ADHD than men, making it harder to obtain diagnosis and treatment. They are also more adept in hiding their symptoms which makes it difficult to find help or support. It is often difficult to remember appointments and complete assignments at school or work, and have problems in relationships. They may also be more at risk of being pushed into unwanted sexual activity or being victims of intimate partner violence, because they aren't able to recognize and responding to their own emotions. The good news is that early diagnosis and effective treatment can be beneficial for these women. A 2020 study found that a late or missed diagnosis can have lasting negative effects on women's emotional and social well-being as well as her ability to build and maintain relationships. It can also impact her confidence in her life and self-esteem. Studies have found that many women reported feeling more relaxed and more accepting of themselves after receiving a diagnosis for ADHD and receiving treatment. It is important to remember that research has revealed that women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are less confident and less likely to seek help than their male counterparts. They are more likely to blame their impulsivity, attention and organization problems on social or personal factors instead of their ADHD. In addition to medications, there is a variety of treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. Some of the most common include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 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 with training in strategies for increasing concentration and focus, is another option. This treatment can be found in individual or group sessions, and is designed for adults suffering from ADHD. *Note: This article uses the term “women” to refer to women who are assigned female at birth, regardless of their affirmed gender identity. Also, it refers to those who are male at birth as “men” and includes all gender identities. Support Many people with ADHD are in a state of confusion or fearful of their symptoms. Because societal pressures and hormonal changes significantly influence how ADHD manifests in women, it's common for females to be underdetected or incorrectly diagnosed. adhd traits in women can lead to ineffective or ineffective treatment, and the increased likelihood of developing mood-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms than men who are more impulsive or hyperactive. They can be taught to work late into the evening, and make use of productivity apps to mask their lack of attention. The problem is that 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 complicated and frustrating. The standard ADHD criteria were designed for males and may not accurately reflect all the symptoms women experience. As a result, many women who have undiagnosed ADHD are mistakenly diagnosed with other conditions like anxiety and depression. Clara was the same. She was smart, hardworking, and dedicated to her career. She struggled to meet her deadlines and felt overwhelmed with the demands of her work. She believed that her failures were her own fault and felt like she wasn't adequate enough. Her shattered self-confidence was the result of undiagnosed ADHD. When she was diagnosed with adult ADHD, it was a revelation. Clara realized that her issues were not a result of personal failures. She was able to stop viewing them as a sign of laziness and begin to consider her ADHD thread as a thread that could be tied into an effective professional and personal life. As the understanding of the different ways in how ADHD manifests in women as well, the need to ensure inclusion within treatments and research will be increasingly crucial. This is especially true in the area of sex-specific treatment, as new research is focused on understanding how gender affects the disorder and developing medications that are suitable for women. It is hoped that this will lead to a better diagnosis and treatment for women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD.