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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD typically have low self-esteem. They struggle to live up to society's expectations, and often internalize their frustration with life. They may also be suffering from emotional stress, 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 menstrual cycle or pregnancy. This can make it harder to determine. Signs and symptoms Women may be unable to recognize their ADHD symptoms, since they are often masked. This could lead to an incorrect diagnosis, and incorrect treatment may cause more problems than they solve. Women also have trouble being diagnosed, particularly in their later years. This could be due to the fact that diagnostic criteria were formulated on the basis of research conducted with males. Some experts are working to improve these criteria. Symptoms of undiagnosed ADHD for women may be very similar to those in men. Many people suffering from ADHD have difficulty concentrating and listening. They might forget important information or misplace items. They may spend many hours organizing their work or home space but fail to keep up with it. They are easily distracted by sounds or other activities. People with ADHD may have difficulty relaxing and may worry excessively about their health or the safety of others. When girls and women experience symptoms that are not diagnosed as ADHD it can impact every aspect of their lives. They may be struggling at work or school, and also have difficulties with their relationships with friends and romantic relationships. adhd women uk may have low self-esteem or anxiety and resort to unhealthy ways of coping such as alcohol or drugs. Undiagnosed ADHD may result in frustration and miscommunications in relationships between family members, friends and coworkers. Teachers and coaches might be critical of them or be unfairly treated at work. ADHD can cause problems in focusing and complete tasks on time. Over time many people who were not diagnosed with ADHD have developed strategies to cope. They may work into the early morning hours to complete their work, or hide from their family members their struggles. When they find out that their challenges are because of ADHD, it is like an epiphany. They will then be able to understand how to overcome their challenges and use their strengths (like creativity and high energy levels) to their advantage. Undiagnosed ADHD can have a long-term impact on the life of a person, their career and relationships. It can cause financial instability, social isolation, and even depression. Some people with undiagnosed ADHD develop a dependence on stimulants, like cocaine and amphetamines. This can cause serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke. Diagnosis Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed because the symptoms are more difficult to detect in women than they are in men. This could be due to the fact that women have more trouble talking to health professionals about their struggles and are more likely to resort to strategies to disguise their ADHD symptoms. These strategies can require changing their behavior, such as working long hours at school or at work to compensate for their lack of focus or using productivity tools to stay on top of and on top of tasks. These coping mechanisms might work for a short period of time, but they can be exhausting and do not last long. Additionally, due to gender stereotypes regarding what women should look like, many people don't know that the woman they know could have ADHD. Some symptoms may be more severe due to hormonal changes such as those that occur during menstruation or during pregnancy. This can lead women to be misunderstood and dismissed as a moody or emotional, which can further increase their angst. The most frequently undiagnosed signs of ADHD in women are memory loss, trouble concentrating, impulsivity and a tendency to jump from one task to another, and difficulties maintaining relationships. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from coexisting conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can have symptoms that are similar to ADHD, which may cause the wrong diagnosis and treatment. It can be difficult to determine the cause of anxiety and ADHD because they share many symptoms. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness trouble concentration, and a constant sense that something is not right. The impulsivity and lack of attention of ADHD are not present in the anxiety disorders. For women who are not diagnosed with ADHD getting an official diagnosis could be a game changer. In a number of studies, women have reported that their symptoms have decreased after receiving a diagnosis. Finding an external explanation for their struggles allowed them to stop blaming themselves, and instead viewing their own challenges as something they can control. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is a long process but the rewards are fantastic. Treatment of ADHD through psychotherapy and medication can improve relationships, assist women excel in school and work, and give them an improved understanding of themselves. Treatment Girls and women have different ADHD symptoms as do males. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat. They also may be better in hiding their symptoms which makes it difficult to seek help or assistance. This could include forgetting appointments, being unable to complete work or school, and having issues with relationships. They may be more likely to be pressured into unwanted sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from intimate partners because they're unable to acknowledge and react to their own emotions. The good news is that early diagnosis and effective treatments can make a difference for these women. A study from 2020 showed that a missed diagnosis or a late diagnosis can have long-lasting negative effects on the social-emotional health of a woman and her ability to build and keep healthy relationships. It can also impact the way she feels about her life and self-esteem. A majority of women in these studies reported feeling a sense of relief and self-confidence boosting after receiving an assessment and treatment for their ADHD. It is important to know that research has shown that women who are not diagnosed with ADHD are less confident and less likely to seek help than their male counterparts. They are also more likely to blame their struggles with impulsivity, attention, and organization on societal or personal factors rather than on their ADHD. Apart from medications, there is various treatment options available for adults with ADHD. The most common are cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. CBT helps identify and change negative thoughts, whereas DBT helps to teach mindfulness and self-acceptance. Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which blends elements of these therapies along with training in strategies to improve focus and concentration is a second option. This treatment is offered in group or individual sessions and is specifically developed for adults suffering from ADHD. *Note in this article, the word “women”, is used to describe people who were assigned female at birth, regardless of gender identity. It also refers people assigned male at the time of birth as “men”, to include all gender identities. Support Many people suffering from ADHD experience a sense shame or confusion about their symptoms. Because social pressures and hormonal changes significantly influence the way ADHD manifests in women, it's typical for women to be overlooked or not diagnosed. This can lead to ineffective or inappropriate treatment, and a higher risk of developing mood 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 may become adept at working late into the night and rely on productivity apps to hide their lack of attention. These coping mechanisms can have a negative effect on self-esteem and the quality of your life. The diagnostic process for women with ADHD can be confusing and frustrating. Traditional ADHD criteria were developed by men, so they may not be able to capture the full spectrum of symptoms that women experience. Many women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD have been misdiagnosed with other conditions, like depression or anxiety. Clara was the same. She was smart, hardworking and dedicated to her career. She was unable to meet her deadlines and felt overwhelmed by the demands of her job. She believed that her failures were her own fault, and felt that she wasn't adequate enough. Her shattered confidence was a knock-on effect of undiagnosed ADHD. It was a moment of revelation when she was diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Clara realized that her issues were not a result of personal failures. She could stop viewing them as evidence of laziness and begin to see her ADHD as a thread that can be weaved into an effective personal and professional life. As women's ADHD is more well-known, it will become increasingly important to include women in research and treatment initiatives. This is particularly important in the areas of sexually-specific treatments, since new research is geared toward understanding the impact of gender on the disorder and developing treatments that are effective for women. This should lead to better diagnosis and treatment for women with undiagnosed ADHD.