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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD are subject to different expectations from society compared to men. These expectations can lead women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into account gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity. Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD often have symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women are faced with in their families and social roles. These issues can make it difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be present for at least six months in order to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to know that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications. One of the primary reasons why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, for example, pretending they are not feeling stressed or coping with symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. see it here are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression. These can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could also be the reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms. Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to diagnose as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even thinking about things. With the increased awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking help. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable response to perceived or real rejection, than women without ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships as well as an absence of support, and an inability to seek assistance. Diagnosis Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers a set of practices and beliefs that affect how healthcare professionals determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or due to internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD frequently have trouble 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 homes that are cluttered or forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment. The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. They may be more severe in the course of menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause increased the irritability. Women with ADHD might also have difficulties in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception. Making an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your history of medication when deciding a treatment plan. You may also need to make lifestyle changes and seek counseling. You can assist your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and informing them about any changes you notice. You can also speak to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing because they might be able spot something that you didn't notice. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and take care of household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and medical history to determine the best course of treatment is. Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they hide their symptoms or cover them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior, which means that 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 reason external for the challenges they face and help them regain their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will help them well into their old age. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the best method for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and set realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral treatment (DBT) which improves awareness and the capacity of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Some women might also benefit by joining an ADHD support group in order to connect with women who are also affected by the disorder. Self-help Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period since their symptoms don't look the same as in boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear “normal” or to meet societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but could prevent women from seeking the diagnosis. It's important, in addition to self-help techniques to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and help you understand its impacts on girls and women. Females with ADHD often develop anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain relationships. These issues are complicated by their propensity to become sexually active at an earlier age, which puts the risk of unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings, which can make it difficult for their loved ones be able to understand or help them. The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure they work throughout a woman's lifetime. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help methods, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at school or at work. It is important that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as depression, emotional stress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping strategies that include relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.