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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations in comparison to men. These expectations can cause 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 the quality of relationships and performance at work and at school, as well as self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details, and working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women face like family and social roles. Women with ADHD may have a harder in getting diagnosed and treated due to these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the requirements. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last for at minimum six months in order to be eligible for a diagnosis. It is also important to recognize that other illnesses and conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications. Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms, which is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They might resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance they might claim that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, like depression or anxiety, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. Another reason that women with ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a bias against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD are afflicted with negative self-esteem and internalized stigma which makes them less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms. Inattentive women can be more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty focusing on tasks or thinking about things. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking tests and getting much-needed help. Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived – than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others as well as a lack of support and an inability to seek assistance. Diagnosis Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach 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 beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of ratings scales which are biased toward male behavior, or due to internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing on business meetings or college classes, and could be unable to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have messy homes or forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted during social interactions and have difficulty managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment. Symptoms can also vary throughout the course of life. They can become more severe in the course of a woman’s menstrual period or in the lead-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can increase the irritability. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitivities to rejection. They may be at risk of being pushed to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancies because they have difficulty insisting that their partners make use of contraception. Making an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will consider any other health issues you suffer from as well as your medication history when choosing the best treatment plan. You may also need to make lifestyle changes and undergo counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you notice. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they could be able to spot things that you might miss. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulties managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since the norms of society often require women to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more at risk for engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners than those who do not suffer from the disorder. Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, aid in regulating brain activity and manage symptoms. If these drugs aren't suitable or effective healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective option for her. 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 disguise them with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior symptoms, so women's symptoms can be misinterpreted or under-identified. Many women find it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a rationale for the struggles they face and help them regain their self-worth. Also knowing that they can improve their health and develop abilities that will last well into old age can boost confidence in women. For many women, the most effective method to manage their ADHD is through a combination of strategies for managing behavior and mental health treatments. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and establish realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and alter negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the disorder. Self-help Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms don't look like the boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear “normal” or to conform to societal norms. These strategies for coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they may stop women from seeking treatment. In addition to self-help strategies, it's important to consult an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition and help girls and women better understand its consequences. Females suffering from ADHD frequently experience anxiety and depression as well as struggle to maintain close relationships. inattentive add in women can be made worse by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years, putting them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD which can make it difficult for their family members to understand or support them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate moods and emotions. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from self-help techniques 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 can help them manage their symptoms. It is crucial that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms such as depression, emotional stress, low self-esteem and difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping skills such as breathing techniques and relaxation, 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.