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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than men, and these expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender constructs hormone fluctuations, the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and in school, as well as self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD often have symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations of being female, such as social norms and family obligations. These issues can make it difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must be present for at least six month to be considered ADHD. It is also important to recognize that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD that include stress and certain medications. Women suffering from ADHD tend to mask symptoms as a result, which is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For example they may pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more visible in boys and men. In adhd in adult women treatment , they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety. These could be ignored as an ADHD sign. Another reason why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing, which are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms. Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type can be harder to diagnose due to its more internal nature- such as wandering off or not being focused on their tasks. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessments and seeking out the needed assistance. Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived – than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems with interpersonal relationships and lead to a lack of support networks and the inability to seek assistance. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to their ability to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of scales for rating that are skewed toward male behavior, or by internalized emotions that can lead to misdiagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing on business meetings or college lectures, and may also have difficulty staying on task in their personal relationships or at home. They might have homes that are cluttered and forget their appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted during social gatherings and have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the transition to menopausal as hormonal changes can cause increased irritability and mood swings. Women with ADHD might also have difficulties in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They are more likely to be pressured into sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist on their partners using contraception. Making an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your history of medication when deciding an appropriate treatment plan. You might also need counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and informing them about any changes you notice. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any issues you are having as they might be able spot something that you didn't notice. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control. Treatment Women with ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their household or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since the norms of society often require women to take care of. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women with untreated ADHD are more at risk for engaging in dangerous sexual actions or being victims of intimate partner violence than their peers who don't suffer from the disorder. The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the best course of treatment is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they aren't diagnosed as such due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and cover them with other conditions like anxiety or depression. The scales of rating for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are heavily influenced by male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized. Many women find it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can offer an external explanation for their difficulties and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will help them well into their old age. Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the most effective way for women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies to cope and set realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and modify negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Women may benefit by joining an ADHD support group to network with other women who understand the disorder. Self-help Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period, as their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear “normal” or to meet the norms of society. These strategies for coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can stop women from seeking treatment. It is important, in addition to self-help techniques to seek medical attention from a doctor who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and help you understand its effects on girls and women. Females suffering from ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain close relationships. This can be exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age and are at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it difficult to make their loved ones accept them or to support them. The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which may improve attention and focus. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are used to regulate emotions and moods. They can be adjusted by a doctor to ensure maximum effectiveness throughout the course of a woman's life. Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from self-help methods like regular exercise, keeping an ongoing schedule, setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that can aid in easing their symptoms at work or school. It is essential that women and girls with ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as emotional distress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping strategies such as breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.