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ADHD in Women and Girls Girls and women with ADHD face a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into consideration gender stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and in school, as well as self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from symptoms like difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that are associated with being female, for example, societal demands and family roles. These issues can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed because they don't fit the requirements. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they should last for at minimum six months in order to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important to understand that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD that include stress and certain medications. One of the primary reasons that women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to see in males and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from 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 community may also be a reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews and these tools are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD suffer from negative self-esteem and internalized stigma and are less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms. Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because it's more internalfor example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking help. Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable reactivity to rejection, whether real or perceived more than women with ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and can lead to a lack of support networks and an inability to seek help. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They may have trouble staying on track at home or in their personal relationships. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure. Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. For instance, they could worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal as hormonal changes can increase irritability and mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues in their relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be at a higher risk of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having pregnancies that are not planned due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception. Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be beneficial. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you have and your history of medication when deciding an appropriate treatment plan. You may also need to change your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors aware of any changes you notice in yourself. You can also speak to your family and friends about any issues you're experiencing because they might be able to identify something you did not notice. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since the norms of society often require women to be caretakers. In addition, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls with untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or being victims of intimate partner violence as compared to their peers who do not have the disorder. Adults with ADHD are usually treated with medications. Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best treatment plan is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However, they are under-diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and mask them with other disorders like anxiety or depression. The rating scales for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a rationale for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing they can improve symptoms and learn life skills that will help them well into their old age. Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies 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 for all aspects of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and change negative behavior and thoughts as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet women who are also affected by the condition. Self-help Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for long periods of time, as their symptoms don't appear the same as in boys. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by implementing ways of coping that permit them to appear “normal” and meet societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking an diagnosis. It's important as well as self-help strategies to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD among females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition, and provide a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women. Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, which could put them at risk for unwanted sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or support them. The most popular treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are used to regulate moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a physician to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime. Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help techniques, including regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that could help them manage their symptoms. It is crucial that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping methods that include breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. adhd in adult women test recognizes that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.