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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD face a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into account gender constructs, hormone changes and the severity of symptoms. Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, for example, societal demands and family roles. These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood, and they must last at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD tend to mask symptoms, which is one of the main reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. Another reason why women with ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a bias against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviews which tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms. Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even daydreaming. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking assessments and seeking help. Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived – than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and can lead to the absence of support networks and an inability to seek assistance. Diagnosis Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This may be because of their ability to disguise their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that lead to confusion in diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may struggle to concentrate during business meetings or college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on task in their personal relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure. Symptoms can also vary in different seasons of life. They may be more severe when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopausal changes, which can cause more irritability. signs and symptoms of adhd in women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies if they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing because they might be able spot something that you missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control. Treatment Women living with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since the norms of society often require women to be caretakers. Because of their impulsivity and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behavior or become victims of abuse by their partners. Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's needs, symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of action. Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men but they are not always diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or mask them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior, which means that certain female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can provide a external explanation for their struggles and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and develop life skills that can benefit them throughout their age. Combining behavioral strategies with mental health treatments is the most effective way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can increase awareness and the capacity of setting and observing personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who are aware of the condition. Self-help Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms are not like the boys. They may hide their ADHD traits by developing strategies to cope that enable them to appear “normal” and conform to social norms. These strategies of coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis. It's crucial, in addition to self-help techniques to seek the help of a medical professional who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, as well as help women and girls learn more about its consequences. Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. These issues can be complicated by their propensity to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, which could put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it hard to make their loved ones be able to understand or help them. The most popular treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter the dosage of these medications to ensure they're effective throughout a woman's lifetime. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help techniques, including regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at work or school that can ease their symptoms. It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms such as emotional distress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques like breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.