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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD are subject to a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can cause them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should consider gender-based stereotypes hormone fluctuations, the severity of symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD often experience symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women have to meet like family and social roles. These issues can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last for at least six months to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to understand that other illnesses and conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications. simply click for source suffering from ADHD tend to mask symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms, for example, pretending that they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to spot in both males and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. A bias against ADHD within the medical field may also be a reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing that tend to favor male behaviour and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD are afflicted with internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms. Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to diagnose, since they might have difficulty focus on work or thinking about things. 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 tests and seeking out the needed assistance. Women with ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity to rejection which is a strong, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships as well as an absence of support, and a lack of ability to seek help. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that can negatively impact the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls with ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD often have difficulty with focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They may have trouble staying focused at home or in their relationships. They might have messy homes, forget appointments and fail to pay bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when facing rejection or failure. It is also possible that symptoms change during different stages of life. They may worsen, for example, during menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause more irritability. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They might be at risk of being pressured into sexual activity, and of having pregnancies that are not planned due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners use contraception. A clear diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, can be helpful too. Your doctor will consider any other health issues you have and your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You might also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your physician updated on any changes you observe in yourself. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they might be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a significant step towards building confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life. Treatment Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. The symptoms can also trigger feelings such as low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their insanity, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in unsafe sexual actions or being victims of intimate partner violence than those who do not suffer from the disorder. Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medications. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these aren't effective or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the most effective course of action. While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males, they are consistently under-diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or cover them with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior patterns, and as a result, women's symptoms can be incorrectly identified or misinterpreted. Many women consider it to be a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for their difficulties and restore their sense of self-worth. Furthermore knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life skills that will help them well into old age can boost a woman's confidence. Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best method for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies to cope and achieve realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her to identify and overcome negative thoughts, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the ability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to meet other women who understand the disorder. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed for long periods of time, as their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear “normal” or to meet the norms of society. These coping strategies can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they may prevent women from seeking diagnosis. It's crucial, in addition to self-help techniques to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition as well as help women and girls better understand its consequences. Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be further complicated by their propensity to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which puts the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for loved ones to comprehend or help them. The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a doctor to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout a woman's life. Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help techniques such as regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations that could assist in managing their symptoms at work or school. It is important that girls and women with ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques such as relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce 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 the way you behave and appearance.