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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than men, and those expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into consideration gender-based stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity. Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women with ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, forgetting details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being a woman, such as the demands of society and family roles. Women with ADHD might have a tougher to be diagnosed and treated due to these difficulties. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications. Women with ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms as a result, which is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They might resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For example they may pretend that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more evident for both genders. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, such as depression or anxiety, which is often overlooked as an ADHD symptom. A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could also be the reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which are biased toward male behaviors 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 type, and this type is more difficult to diagnose because it's more internalfor example, daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking assessment and getting much-needed help. Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity – an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived – than women who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships and the lack of support and an inability for women to ask for help. Diagnosis Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that negatively affect how doctors identify girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of rating scales which are biased toward male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD often have difficulty with staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying on task at home or in their relationships. They might have cluttered homes or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when faced with rejection or disappointment. The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. For example, they may be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or in the run-up to menopause as hormonal changes can trigger irritability as well as mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be at a higher chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having pregnancies that are not planned because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception. A clear diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. she said like atomoxetine can also be beneficial. When choosing a treatment your doctor will take into consideration any other health issues and medications you have. You may also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctors 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 might be able to identify things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can be a significant way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as the norms of society often require women to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse. Adults with ADHD are typically treated by medication. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines aid in regulating brain activity and manage symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the most effective treatment is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they aren't diagnosed as such because they tend to hide their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for many women. It can offer an external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Also, knowing that they can reduce their symptoms and build life skills that will serve them for a long time can boost confidence in women. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the best way for women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals for her to achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and alter negative thoughts and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to network with women who are also affected by the disorder. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear “normal” or to conform to the norms of society. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking the diagnosis. It's crucial in addition to self-help strategies to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD for females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and help you understand its effects on women and girls. Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. This can be exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. signs and symptoms of adhd in women are also common among women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for their family members to understand or help them. The most common treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are used to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure they're effective throughout the life of a woman. Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies like regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could alleviate their symptoms. It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies, including relaxation and breathing techniques to help ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.