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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women suffering from ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details, and working in noisy or crowded areas. They may also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women face in their families and social roles. These challenges can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must last at least six month to qualify as ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications. One of the biggest reasons that women with 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 may pretend that they don't feel stressed or overstate symptoms that are more apparent in boys and men. Moreover they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood or emotions, like anxiety or depression, which can be ignored as an ADHD symptoms. Another reason women suffering from ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a bias against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews that tend to favor 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. Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type can be harder to identify due to its more internal naturefor example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. With the increased awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking help. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable response to perceived or real rejection more than women with ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and can lead to a lack of support networks and a failure to reach out for help. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or due to gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to the set of practices and beliefs that can negatively impact how doctors diagnose and treat girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that can lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They might have difficulty staying on track at home or in their personal relationships. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when facing rejection or failure. The symptoms can also alter at different times of life. For example, they may get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopause which can trigger irritability as well as mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with partners because of impulsivity and poor planning, or they could struggle to maintain friendships because of social sensitive to rejection. They may be more at chance of being pressured into sexual activity, and of having pregnancies that are not planned due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine can help too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health issues and the history of medications you've had. You may also be required to change your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your physician aware of any changes you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they might be able to identify things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can be an effective step towards building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are typically expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their impulsivity, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more at risk of engaging in sexually risky behavior or being victims of intimate partner violence than those 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 regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective course of action. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they are not diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and conceal them as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, certain female symptoms are not recognized or understood. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a rationale for the struggles they face and boost their self-esteem. Furthermore knowing that they can improve their condition and develop life skills that will help them for a long time can boost confidence in women. For many women, the most effective method to deal with their ADHD is through the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals to succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from finding an ADHD support group to meet with other people who are aware of the condition. Self-help Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms are not the same as the boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear “normal” or to conform to societal norms. undiagnosed adhd in women coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis. In addition to self-help techniques, it's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, as well as help women and girls better understand its effects. Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at an earlier age, which can put them at risk for unwanted sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or support them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they work throughout the lifetime of a woman. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help techniques, including regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that can help them manage their symptoms. It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other issues such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping skills, including breathing and relaxation techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.