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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD are subject to different social expectations than males, and those expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity. Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from symptoms like difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded areas. They may also struggle with 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 difficult for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must be present for at least six months in order to be considered ADHD. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, such as pretending that they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression. These can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. Another reason women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews that tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms. Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type is more difficult to recognize due to its more internal nature- such as being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessment and seeking out the needed help. Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others as well as the lack of support and a lack of ability for women to ask for assistance. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. This could take the form of scales for rating that are biased towards male behavior, or through internalized feelings that lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who suffer from inattention ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying on task at home or in their personal relationships. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure. The symptoms can also alter at different times of life. They may be more severe in the course of a woman’s menstrual period or in the lead-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause increased irritability. Women with ADHD might also have difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they may struggle to maintain friendships because of social rejection sensitivity. They may be at a higher risk 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. A clear diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will consider any other health conditions or medications you have. You might also need counseling and lifestyle changes. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor updated on any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family and friends members, as they could be able to detect things that you might miss. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women living with untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their impulsivity, girls and women with untreated ADHD are more at risk for engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or being victims of violence from intimate partners than their peers who do not have the disorder. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication. The stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications are not efficient or appropriate medical professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the most effective treatment is. Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or mask them with other illnesses like depression and anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified. Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for the difficulties they confront and boost their self-esteem. Additionally, knowing that they can manage their symptoms and build life skills that will serve them for a long time can boost confidence of women. For many women, the most beneficial method of learning to cope with their ADHD is through the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can help women develop coping strategies and set achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists her to identify and overcome negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral treatment (DBT) which can increase awareness and the capacity of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Some women might also benefit from joining an ADHD support group to network with other women who understand the disorder. Self-help Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed for a long time since their symptoms don't look the same as in boys. They may conceal their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear “normal” or to conform to social norms. These strategies for coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis. In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to seek out a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and help you understand its effects on women and girls. Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years which puts them at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it hard for their loved ones understand them or support them. add adult women used treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which may improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure they are effective throughout the life of a woman. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations for school or work that could help them manage their symptoms. It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who is experienced with the condition, as they can help with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, difficulty in maintaining relationships, and difficulties at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques such as breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.