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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can lead women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity. Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms such as difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details, and working in noisy or crowded environments. adhd symptoms in adult women may also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that are associated with being female, such as the demands of society and family roles. These issues can make it difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six months to qualify as ADHD. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They might resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For instance they might claim that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. In addition, they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. adhd symptoms in adult women is often overlooked as an ADHD sign. A bias against ADHD in the medical community could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews that are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms. Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize due to its more internal naturelike daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance. Women with ADHD have a greater tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived – than those without ADHD. This can cause problems with interpersonal relationships and lead to an absence of support networks and a failure to reach out for help. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms, and due to gender bias. More hints is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or by internalized feelings that lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They may struggle to stay focused at home or in their relationships. They might have messy homes and forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment. Symptoms can also vary at different times of life. They may worsen in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or during the time leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase irritability. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be more at risk of being pressured 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. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be helpful. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from and your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your physician informed about any changes that you notice in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your friends and family members, because they may be able to identify things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control. Treatment Women with ADHD who are not treated may have difficulty managing their household or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are often expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their impulsivity, girls and women with untreated ADHD are more prone for engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or being victims of violence from intimate partners as compared to their peers who do not have the disorder. The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. The stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, requirements and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However, they are under-diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and mask them with other conditions like depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the interview techniques are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in 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 external explanation for their difficulties and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and learn life skills that will benefit them throughout their age. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the most effective way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies to cope and establish realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative behavior and thoughts and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Women may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who have a similar disorder. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms don't look the same as those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear “normal” or to meet social norms. These strategies of coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they could stop women from seeking treatment. In addition to self-help strategies, it's important to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this disorder, as well as help women and girls better understand its effects. Females suffering from ADHD often develop depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain relationships. This can be made worse due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years, putting them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD which can make it difficult for their family members to understand or support them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage moods and emotions. They can be adjusted by a physician to ensure that they are effective throughout the course of a woman's life. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, maintaining a daily schedule, or setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at work or school. It's important for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist with experience with the disorder, as they can assist with a range of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and difficulties at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques that include relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.