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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women with undiagnosed ADHD experience low self-esteem. They struggle to meet social expectations, and often internalize their frustration with life. They also may suffer from emotional stress including sensitivity to rejection. This can make them more likely to engage in risky behaviors. ADHD symptoms can also change in response to hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal changes. This makes them more difficult to diagnose. Symptoms Women may have difficulty identifying their ADHD symptoms, as they are often masked. This can lead to a wrong diagnosis and a treatment that is not appropriate may cause even more problems. Women often report difficulties getting diagnosed, especially when they are adults. This could be due to the fact that the criteria for diagnosing were developed based on research done with males. Some experts are trying to improve the criteria. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms for women are usually similar to the symptoms of men. Many people with ADHD have trouble concentrating and listening. They may forget important things or lose items. They may spend many hours organizing their work or home space, but they are unable to keep track of it. They are easily distracted by noises or other activities. People who suffer from ADHD can have trouble relaxing and may be worried over their health and the safety of others. If women and girls experience symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD, it can affect every aspect of their lives. They may have difficulty at school or work, and also have difficulties with their relationships with their partners and friends. They can have low self-esteem and anxiety, so they may turn to unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or drugs. Undiagnosed ADHD may cause frustration and misunderstandings in relationships between family, friends and coworkers. They can be criticized by teachers and coaches, or feel that they are being treated unfairly at work. ADHD can make it difficult to focus and meet deadlines. Over the years many people who were not diagnosed with ADHD have developed strategies for coping. They may work into the early hours of the morning to complete their work or hide from their loved ones the struggles they face. When they find out that their struggles are the result of ADHD, it is like a lightbulb moment. They can then leverage their strengths to overcome their problems (such as creativity and high levels of energy). Having undiagnosed ADHD can have a lasting impact on a person's life, career, and relationships. It can cause financial instability, social isolation and even depression. Some people with undiagnosed ADHD develop an addiction to stimulants, like cocaine and amphetamines. This can cause serious health issues, like heart disease and stroke. Diagnosis Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed than males because the symptoms are harder to recognize. This could be due the fact that women have more trouble communicating with health professionals about their struggles, and are more likely to employ strategies to manage their ADHD symptoms. These coping strategies may include changing their behaviour, for instance, working longer hours at work or school to make up for their lack of focus or employing productivity tools to keep themselves organized and on track with their projects. These strategies for coping might work in the short term however they are usually exhausting and not sustainable. Many people are unaware that women they know may be suffering from ADHD due to gender stereotypes. Some symptoms can be worsened by hormonal changes like those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause. This could result in women being misunderstood or dismissed as moody and overly emotional. This adds to the angst of these women. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms in women include forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and impulsivity. They also have a tendency jump from one thing to the next and have trouble maintaining relationships. Undiagnosed ADHD is more prevalent in women. They are also more likely than others to suffer from coexisting conditions like depression or anxiety. Symptoms of these conditions could be confused with symptoms of ADHD and may result in wrong diagnosis and treatment. adult add in women can be difficult to diagnose anxiety and ADHD because they share a variety of symptoms. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness, difficulties in concentrating and a constant feeling that something is wrong. The impulsivity and inattention that are characteristic of ADHD are not present in the anxiety disorders. For women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD getting an official diagnosis could be a game changer. In several studies, patients reported that their symptoms reduced after receiving a professional diagnosis. Having an external reason for their struggles allowed them to stop blaming themselves, and instead considering their own issues as something they could manage. It takes time to identify ADHD however it is worth the long wait. The treatment of ADHD with medication and therapy can improve relationships, prepare women for success at work and school and give them an understanding of themselves. Treatment Girls and women have different ADHD symptoms as do males. This can make it more difficult to diagnose and treat. It is also possible that they are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to receive help or support. It is often difficult to remember appointments and complete assignments at school or work and may have issues with relationships. They may be more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual behavior or become victims of intimate partner abuse because they're unable to recognize and respond to their own emotions. The good news is that early diagnosis and effective treatments can have a positive impact on these women. A study from 2020 showed that a delayed or missed diagnosis can have long-lasting negative effects on women's emotional and social well-being and ability to form and maintain relationships. It can also affect the way she feels about her life and self-esteem. A majority of women in these studies reported feeling a sense relief and self-confidence boosting after receiving the diagnosis and treatment they needed for their ADHD. This is especially important, because research shows 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 impulsivity, attention and organizational issues on social or personal factors instead of their ADHD. There are a myriad of options for treating adults suffering from ADHD, aside from medication. The most well-known include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). CBT assists people in identifying and overcome negative behavior and thoughts, whereas DBT helps people develop skills to increase mindfulness and self-acceptance. Neurocognitive Psychotherapy, which blends elements of these therapies and training in strategies to improve concentration and focus is a different option. This treatment is available in individual or group sessions, and it is specifically geared to adults with ADHD. *Note: In this article, the term “women” is used to refer to those who were assigned female at birth, regardless of gender identity. Also, it refers to those who are male at birth as “men” which includes all gender identities. Support Many people suffering from ADHD are unsure or embarrassed of their symptoms. Because societal pressures and hormonal changes profoundly influence the way ADHD is perceived by women, it's common for females to be undiagnosed, misunderstood, or not diagnosed. This can result in inappropriate or ineffective treatment, and an increased risk of developing mood-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms than men, who tend to be more impulsive or hyperactive. They are able to get used to working late into the night, and rely on productivity apps to cover up their inattention. The problem is that these coping mechanisms take their impact on self-esteem, and ultimately affect the quality of life. Even when women suffering from ADHD seek assistance, the process of diagnosing can be frustrating and confusing. Traditional ADHD criteria were developed in men, so they may not be able to capture the full spectrum of symptoms that women suffer from. As a result, many women with not been diagnosed with ADHD are misdiagnosed with other illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. Clara was not an exception. She was smart, hardworking and committed to her work. She struggled to meet her deadlines and felt overwhelmed by the demands of her job. She believed that her failings were her fault and that she was not good enough. Her self-confidence shattering was the result of an undiagnosed ADHD. It was a moment of revelation when she was diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Clara understood that her challenges were not a result of personal failures. blog could stop looking at them as laziness-related signs, and start to look at her ADHD thread as a thread which can be woven in to an authentic professional and personal life. As women's ADHD becomes more well-known and more well-known, it will be increasingly important to include them in treatment and research initiatives. This is especially true in the area of specific treatments for sex, as new research is geared toward understanding the impact of gender on the disorder and identifying medications that are effective for women. Hopefully, this will lead to better diagnosis and treatment for women with undiagnosed ADHD.