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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can cause them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into consideration gender-based stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem. Signs and symptoms Women with ADHD typically experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, difficulties recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They might 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 challenges can make it difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they do not meet the requirements. Symptoms must be present since childhood, and they must 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 main reasons women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to mask their symptoms. They might resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more apparent in men and boys. Moreover, they are more likely to suffer from a mental health condition that affects their mood or emotions, including anxiety or depression, which could be ignored as an ADHD symptoms. Another reason women with ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews, and these tools tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD experience internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms. Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose, because they may have trouble working or focusing on their tasks, or even thinking about things. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessments and getting much-needed assistance. Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived – than those who do not have ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and can lead to a lack of support networks and the inability to reach out for help. Diagnosis Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. It can take the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or by internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD often have difficulty with staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings, and they may have trouble staying on task at home or in their relationships. They might have messy homes, forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted during social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment. It is also possible that symptoms change during different stages of life. They may worsen in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or during the time leading up to menopausal changes, which can increase irritation. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due social rejection sensitivity. They might be more at chance of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners take contraceptives. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions and medications you have. You may also be required to change your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors aware of any changes you observe in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you're having, as they may be able to identify something you did not notice. A diagnosis can be an effective way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life. Treatment Women with ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their home, maintaining healthy relationships, or performing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky actions or being victims of violence from intimate partners as compared to their peers who do not suffer from the disorder. Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If adhd in older women aren't appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, requirements and history to determine what the best treatment plan is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they are not diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and cover them with other disorders like depression or anxiety. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior, which means that certain female symptoms are not recognized or understood. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Furthermore, knowing that they can manage their condition and develop life abilities that will last throughout their lives can boost confidence of women. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the most effective way for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and achieve realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral treatment (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Women may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to meet women who are also affected by the disorder. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not the same as the boys. They may conceal their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear “normal” or to conform to social norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but could prevent women from seeking the diagnosis. It is important in addition to self-help techniques to seek the help of a medical professional who 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 tend to develop anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain close relationships. This can be made worse due to 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 intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD which can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or help them. The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime. Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies like regular exercise, maintaining a daily schedule, or setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at school or at work. It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who is experienced with the condition, as they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties making or maintaining relationships and issues at work or in school. They can also teach coping skills such as relaxation and breathing techniques to ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.