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Undiagnosed ADHD in Women Women with undiagnosed ADHD typically have low self-esteem. They struggle to live up to social expectations and internalize their frustration. They also may experience emotional distress, including the sensitivity to rejection. They are more likely to engage in risky behaviours. ADHD symptoms can also change during hormonal changes, such as menstruation or pregnancy, as well as menopausal. This makes it harder to identify. Symptoms Women may have difficulty identifying their ADHD symptoms, as they can be disguised. This can lead an incorrect diagnosis and the wrong treatment may cause even more problems. Many women have difficulties getting diagnosed particularly when they are adults. This could be because the criteria for diagnosing were formulated based on research conducted with males. Some experts are trying to improve these criteria. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms in women are often very similar to those of men. Many people with ADHD have trouble concentrating and listening. They may forget important things or misplace items. They can spend hours organizing their work or home space, but fail to keep up. They are easily distracted by noises or other activities. People with ADHD can have trouble relaxing and may worry too much about their health or the safety of others. If women and girls experience symptoms that are not diagnosed as ADHD it can impact all areas of their lives. They can have trouble in the workplace or at school and have issues with their friendships and romantic relationships. They might be afflicted with low self-esteem and anxiety, so they may resort to unhealthy strategies for coping such as alcohol or drugs. Undiagnosed ADHD can increase frustration and confusion in relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Teachers and coaches might criticize them or they may be treated unfairly at work. Being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult to focus on work and meet deadlines. Many people who have not been diagnosed with ADHD develop strategies to cope with their problems over the years. They may work until the early hours of the morning to keep up with their work or hide from their family members their struggles. It's like a lightbulb moment when they realize that their struggles stem from ADHD. They will then be able to understand how to overcome their difficulties and leverage their strengths (like creativity and high energy levels) to their advantage. Having undiagnosed ADHD can have a long-term impact on the person's career, life, and relationships. It can lead to financial instability, social isolation, and even depression. add test for women with ADHD, who are not diagnosed are prone to developing an addiction to stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines. This can cause serious health problems, including stroke and heart disease. Diagnosis Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed because the symptoms are more difficult to spot in women than they are in men. This may be due to the fact that women are more hesitant telling health care professionals about their struggles, and are more likely to resort to strategies to disguise their ADHD symptoms. These strategies can include changing their behavior, such as working extra hours at school or work to make up for their lack of focus, or employing productivity tools to stay on top of and on task with tasks. These coping methods may work in the short term, but are often exhausting and unsustainable. In addition, due to gender stereotypes about what women should be like, many people do not realize that the woman they know could have ADHD. Certain symptoms can be worsened due to hormonal changes like those during menstruation or pregnancy. This could cause women to be viewed as a moody or emotional, which may increase their anger. Undiagnosed ADHD symptoms for women include forgetfulness, difficulties in concentrating and the tendency to be impulsive. They are also prone to jumping from one thing to another and have difficulties maintaining relationships. Women who are not diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to have coexisting conditions, such as depression and anxiety. These conditions may have symptoms that are similar to ADHD, which may result in being treated incorrectly and not correctly. The overlapping symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can make it difficult to identify the condition. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness difficulties in concentration and a constant feeling that something is wrong. Anxiety disorders do not have the impulsivity or lack of attention that is characteristic of ADHD. A professional diagnosis of undiagnosed ADHD can have a profound impact on women. In a number of studies, women reported that their symptoms diminished when they received an official diagnosis. They stopped blaming themselves for their own struggles and began to see their challenges as something that they could take control of. It takes time to identify ADHD however it is worth the wait. Treatment of ADHD with medication and therapy can improve relationships, set women up for success at work and in school and help them gain a better understanding of themselves. Treatment Girls and women often suffer from different symptoms of ADHD than men, which can make it more difficult to get an assessment and treatment. It is also possible that girls are better at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to seek assistance or support. It can be difficult to remember appointments and complete assignments at school or work and also have issues in relationships. They may also be at a higher risk of being pressured into sexual activities that are not desired or being victims of intimate partner violence, due to their difficulty recognizing and resolving to their own emotions. The good news is that early diagnosis and effective treatment can be beneficial for these women. A study from 2020 found that the absence of a diagnosis or a late diagnosis can have long-lasting negative impact on the emotional and social health of a woman and her ability to form and keep healthy relationships. It can also impact her confidence in her life and self-worth. Many of the women in these studies felt a sense of relief and a sense of self-confidence that increased after receiving a diagnosis and treatment for their ADHD. It is important to note that research has proven that women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are less confident and less likely to seek assistance than their male counterparts. They are more likely to blame their problems with attention, impulsivity, and organization on personal or societal factors rather than on their ADHD. There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD in addition to medication. The most common are cognitive behavior therapy and dialectical therapy. CBT helps people recognize and change negative behavior and thoughts, whereas DBT provides skills to improve mindfulness and self-acceptance. Neurocognitive Psychotherapy, which combines elements of these therapies with training in strategies to increase concentration and focus, is another option. This treatment is offered in group or individual sessions, and is designed for adults with ADHD. Note: This article uses the term “women” to refer to women who are assigned female at birth, regardless of their gender identity. It also refers to people born male as “men” to include people of all gender identities. Support Many people suffering from ADHD are in a state of confusion or fearful of their symptoms. Because societal pressures and hormonal changes significantly influence the way ADHD manifests in women, it's not uncommon for females to be underdetected or incorrectly diagnosed. This can lead to ineffective or inappropriate treatment, and a higher risk of developing mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Contrary to men, who can suffer from impulsive and hyperactive symptoms more frequently, women tend to be better at hiding their symptoms in the workplace or school. They are able to get used to working late into the night, and rely on productivity apps to hide their lack of attention. The problem is that these coping mechanisms take their toll on self-esteem and ultimately impact the quality of life. Even when women with ADHD seek assistance, the process of diagnosing can be frustrating and confusing. Traditional ADHD criteria were developed by men, so they might not be able to capture the full range of symptoms that women suffer from. This is why many women with not been diagnosed with ADHD are misdiagnosed with other disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Clara was not different. Clara was smart and hardworking, as well as dedicated to her job. She struggled to meet her deadlines and felt overwhelmed by the demands of her job. She felt that her failures were her fault, and that she was not good enough. Her confidence shattered was a direct result of undiagnosed ADHD. When she was diagnosed with adult ADHD, it was a revelation. Clara finally understood that her issues were not due to her personal shortcomings. She could stop seeing them as a sign of laziness and start to consider her ADHD thread as a thread which can be woven into a meaningful personal and professional life. As women's ADHD is more well-known and recognized, it will become more important to include women in research and treatment initiatives. This is particularly important in the area of sex-specific treatments, as new research is geared toward understanding how gender influences the disorder and developing treatments that are effective for women. It is hoped that this will lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for women with undiagnosed ADHD.