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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD face a different set of societal expectations than men, and these expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity. Treatment, lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD often have symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women face like family and social roles. Women with ADHD might have a tougher in getting diagnosed and treated because of these issues. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must last for at least six month to be considered ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. Women suffering from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to detect in males and females. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, including anxiety or depression, which can be dismissed as an ADHD symptom. Another reason that women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews that are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms. Attention-deficit women are more difficult to identify, since they might have difficulty focusing on tasks or dreaming. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and seeking out the needed help. Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity – an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether it is real or perceived who do not have ADHD. This can cause problems with interpersonal relationships and can lead to an absence of support networks and an inability to seek help. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls suffering from ADHD. This could take the form of ratings scales which are biased toward male behavior, or through internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who suffer from inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They may struggle to stay on track at home or in their personal relationships. They may have homes that are cluttered or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure. It is also possible that symptoms change during different stages of life. For instance, they could worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopause which can trigger irritability as well as mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They could be more at risk of being pushed into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancies because they have difficulty insisting that their partners make use of contraception. An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will consider any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also have to alter your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes you notice. You can also discuss any issues you have with your friends and family members, because they may be able to detect things that you might miss. A diagnosis can be a powerful way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their household or maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and self-esteem, particularly as societal expectations often expect women to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual conduct or become victims of abuse from their partners. Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. The stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If related web site or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A doctor will examine the woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the most effective method of treatment. Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men, they are consistently under-diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or cover them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior symptoms, so some female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted. Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can offer an external explanation for their struggles and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and learn life skills that will help them into old age. Combining behavioral strategies with mental health treatments is the best way for women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and alter negative thoughts and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from finding an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the condition. Self-help Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms don't look like those of males. They may mask their ADHD symptoms by implementing ways of coping that allow them to appear “normal” and conform to societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking an diagnosis. In addition to self-help methods, it's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, and help girls and women better understand its effects. Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at a younger age, which can put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help methods, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could help ease their symptoms at school or at work. It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out a therapist and therapist who is experienced with the disorder, as they can assist with a range of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble making or maintaining relationships and issues at school or at work. They can also teach coping strategies that include breathing and relaxation techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve 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.