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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD are subject to different social expectations than men, and these expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment should consider gender constructs, hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity. Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded settings. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, such as societal demands and family roles. These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms have to be present since childhood and they should last for at least six months to qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. One of the primary reasons that women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They might resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they're not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident for both genders. In addition they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood and emotions, including depression or anxiety, which can be ignored as an ADHD symptom. Another reason women suffering from ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a bias against the disorder in the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing, which are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD are afflicted with an internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms. Inattentive women can be more difficult to identify, because they may have trouble focus on work or thinking about things. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking help. Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection – an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived without ADHD. This can interfere with relationships with others and result in an absence of support networks and an inability to seek assistance. Diagnosis Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set beliefs and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how doctors identify women and girls with ADHD. This can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD typically have difficulty staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings. They might have difficulty 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 in social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or failure. women and adhd can also change at different times of life. undiagnosed adhd in women may be more severe when, for instance, it is a woman’s menstrual period or in the period leading up to menopausal changes, which can increase irritability. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They could be at a higher chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancy because they are unable to insist that their partners take contraceptives. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be beneficial. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your history of medication when deciding an appropriate treatment plan. You may also have to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can assist your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes you observe. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing as they might be able spot something that you didn't notice. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women with ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. The symptoms can also trigger feelings such as low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are often expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from their partners. Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by medication. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate a woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the most effective treatment is. Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other disorders such as anxiety and depression. The scales of rating for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified. Many women consider it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can offer an external explanation for their difficulties and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and learn life skills that can benefit them well into their old age. For many women, the most effective way to learn how to manage their ADHD is through a combination of strategies for managing behavior and mental health treatments. Therapy can help women develop coping strategies and set realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the ability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the disorder. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms do not look the same as the boys. They may conceal their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear “normal” or to meet societal norms. high functioning adhd in women of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking diagnosis. It's crucial in addition to self-help strategies to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider that specializes in treating ADHD for females. They can diagnose and treat this condition as well as help women and girls better understand its consequences. Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be further complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at a younger age, which puts them at risk of having unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or support them. Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which can increase attention and focus. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust the dosage of these medications to ensure they work throughout a woman's lifetime. Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from self-help methods like regular exercise, maintaining an agenda for the day, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at work or school that can help them manage their symptoms. It's important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who is experienced with the disorder, as they can assist with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping skills such as breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.