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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can cause women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into account gender constructs, hormone changes and the severity of symptoms. Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and at school, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women suffering from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being female, such as societal demands and family roles. These challenges can make it harder for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must be present for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms as a result, which is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For example, they might pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more visible for both genders. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms. Another reason that women with ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a bias against the disorder in the medical field. adult adhd symptoms women of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms. Attention-deficit women are more difficult to identify, because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or daydreaming. However, with increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and getting much-needed assistance. Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reaction to real or perceived rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships, an absence of support, and a reluctance to seek help. Diagnosis Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls suffering from ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may struggle to concentrate during business meetings or college lectures, and may be unable to stay on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have messy homes or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment. The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the transition to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They might be at risk of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be helpful. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You might also need counseling or lifestyle changes. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctor aware of any changes you observe in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you're having as they might be able spot something that you did not notice. A diagnosis can be a powerful way to build self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life. Treatment Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their insanity, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky actions or being victims of violence from intimate partners than those who do not have the disorder. Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with medications. The stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine the most effective option for her. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they are not diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and conceal them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior patterns, and as a result, certain female symptoms are misinterpreted or under-identified. Many women consider it to be an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide an external explanation for the challenges they face and help them regain their self-worth. Also, knowing that they can manage their symptoms and build life skills that will serve them for a long time can boost confidence in women. Combining behavioral strategies with mental health treatments is the best way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and establish 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 attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the condition. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms do not look like those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear “normal” or to meet social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking an diagnosis. In addition to self-help methods, it's important to consult an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its effects on women and girls. Females with ADHD frequently experience anxiety and depression as well as struggle to maintain close relationships. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, which can put them at risk of having unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or support them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are used to regulate emotions and moods. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a doctor to ensure that they are effective throughout a woman's life. Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from self-help methods such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could aid in easing their symptoms at school or at work. It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms such as emotional distress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies that include breathing and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance 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 the way you behave and appearance.