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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD face different social expectations than males, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve the quality of 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, difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations of being female, for example, societal demands and family roles. These issues can make it difficult for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they should last for at minimum six months in order to be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD. One of the biggest reasons why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They may resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For example, they might pretend that they're not stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression. These can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms. A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews that are biased towards male behaviour 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. Some women with ADHD have the inattentive type, and this type can be harder to diagnose because it's more internalfor example, daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking help. Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection more than women with ADHD. This can affect relationships with others and result in a lack of support networks and a failure to seek assistance. Diagnosis Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to their ability cover up their symptoms or gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay on task at home or in their personal relationships. They might have homes that are cluttered, forget their appointments and not pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment. The symptoms can also be different in different seasons of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormone changes can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They may be at a higher risk of being pushed into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancy due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be beneficial. When choosing a treatment your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions or medications you have. You may also be required to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you notice. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you're having because they might be able to spot something you missed. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women with ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of low self-esteem and shame, particularly since society's expectations typically require women to take care of. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women with untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky behaviors or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners than those who do not have the disorder. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these drugs aren't suitable or effective healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective treatment is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However they aren't diagnosed as such because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them with other disorders like anxiety or depression. The scales of rating for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will help them well into their old age. Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman build coping strategies and establish realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and alter negative thoughts and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to set and maintain personal boundaries. Some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to network with women who have a similar disorder. Self-help Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for long periods of time since their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear “normal” or to meet social norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking the diagnosis. It's crucial in addition to self-help methods to seek medical attention from a doctor who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and provide a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women. Females with ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain close relationships. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for family members to understand or help them. The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants can help improve focus and attention by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. Home can modify these medications to ensure that they work throughout a woman's lifetime. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from self-help techniques such as regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at school or work that could alleviate their symptoms. It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to find a professional and therapist with experience with the condition, as they can assist with a myriad of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties finding or maintaining relationships, and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping methods that include breathing and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a reference to biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender is an internal perception of self that can be given at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.