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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD are subject to different social expectations than males, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. Symptoms Women with ADHD often have symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being female, for example, the demands of society and family roles. These issues can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. It's also important to know that other illnesses and conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications. Women suffering from ADHD tend to mask symptoms and this is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They might resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For example they might claim that they're not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased toward male behaviors and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms. Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose, because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or thinking about things. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance. Women with ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived, than women without ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships with others and the lack of support and an inability for women to ask for help. Diagnosis Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect the way that clinicians diagnose girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD often have difficulty with staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings. They may struggle to stay on task at home or in their personal relationships. They may have messy homes, forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment. The symptoms can also be different in different seasons of life. They may be more severe, for example, during the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase irritation. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitivities to rejection. They could be at a higher risk of being pushed into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners make use of contraception. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, can be helpful too. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you have and your history of medication when deciding the best treatment plan. You may also be required to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes you observe in yourself. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family and friends members, because they may be able to identify things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life. Treatment Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as the norms of society often require women to be caretakers. In addition, due to their insanity, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in dangerous sexual actions or being victims of intimate partner violence as compared to their peers who do not have the disorder. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines assist in controlling brain activity and control the symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and past medical history to determine the best treatment plan is. While women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men, they are consistently under-diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or cover them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified. Many women find it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a reason external for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and develop life skills that will help them into old age. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the best method for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing coping strategies and establish realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her to identify and overcome negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Additionally, signs of adhd in women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the disorder. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for long periods of time, as their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD characteristics by implementing strategies to cope that permit them to appear “normal” and meet societal norms. These strategies for coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking diagnosis. In addition to self-help strategies It is essential to seek out a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and provide a better understanding of its effects on girls and women. Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and develop depression or anxiety. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years, putting them at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings, which can make it difficult for their loved ones understand them or support them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which can increase attention and focus. Antidepressants alter the way the brain uses certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to regulate moods and emotions. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout a woman's life. Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help techniques like regular exercise, maintaining a daily schedule, or creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at work or school that can help them manage their symptoms. It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who is experienced with the disorder, as they can help with a range of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble making or maintaining relationships and difficulties at work or in school. They can also teach coping methods like breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.