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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD face different social expectations than men, and these expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment should consider gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms. Highly recommended Resource site , lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women with ADHD often experience symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or bustling environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, such as social norms and family obligations. These challenges can make it difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't fit the criteria. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications. One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They might resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance they might claim that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more evident for both genders. Moreover, they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. These could be dismissed as an ADHD symptom. Another reason why women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a bias against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews, and these tools are biased toward male behaviors and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD experience an internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms. Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to identify because it's more internal -like wandering off or not being focused on their tasks. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influential women and celebrities like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking tests and seeking out the needed assistance. Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems in interpersonal relationships and a lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for assistance. Diagnosis Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of practices and beliefs that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of ratings scales that are biased towards male behavior, or through internalized feelings that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD typically have difficulty focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay on track at home or in their relationships. They might have messy homes or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure. Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. For instance, they can be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the transition to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can trigger irritability as well as mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they may struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be more likely to be pushed into sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies if they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be beneficial. When deciding on adhd in adult women symptoms , your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions and medication history you may have. You might also require counseling and lifestyle changes. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor aware of any changes you notice in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you're having, as they may be able to identify something you missed. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control. Treatment Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may have difficulties managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since the norms of society often require women to be caretakers. Additionally, due to their insanity, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in unsafe sexual actions or being victims of violence from intimate partners than their peers who do not have the disorder. Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and medical history to determine the best treatment plan is. Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However, they are under-diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and cover them with other conditions like depression or anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, women's symptoms can be incorrectly identified or misinterpreted. Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and develop life skills that can benefit them throughout their age. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the best way for women to deal with ADHD. 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) to aid her in identifying and alter negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to connect with others who are aware of the condition. Self-help Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period because their symptoms don't appear the same as in boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear “normal” or to conform to social norms. These strategies for coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they could hinder women from seeking a diagnosis. In addition to self-help strategies It is essential to seek out an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition as well as help women and girls to better understand the consequences. Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. These issues are complicated by their tendency to become sexually active at an earlier age, which could put the risk of unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or help them. Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which may improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are used to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure they work throughout the lifetime of a woman. Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help methods, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could help them manage their symptoms. It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help 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 skills that include breathing techniques and relaxation, to help reduce symptoms and improve their 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.