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ADHD in Women and Girls Women and girls with ADHD face different social expectations than men, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity. Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem. Symptoms Women with ADHD often have symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, for example, the demands of society 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 do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must last for at least six months in order to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD that include stress and certain medications. Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms, which is one of the primary reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to cover up their symptoms, such as pretending they are not feeling stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to spot in both males and boys. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. A bias against ADHD in the medical community could also be the reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms. Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty focusing on tasks or thinking about things. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance. Women with ADHD have a greater tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is a strong, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived – than women without ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and lead to an absence of support networks and an inability to seek help. Diagnosis Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to cover up their symptoms or gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact the way that clinicians diagnose girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of scales for rating that are biased towards male behavior, or through internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattentive ADHD frequently have trouble attending to college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay on task at home or in their personal relationships. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted during social interactions and have difficulty managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or failure. The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. For instance, they can be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the transition to menopausal, when hormone changes can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be at chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception. A clear diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be helpful. When choosing a treatment your doctor will be aware of any other health issues and medication history you may have. You might also need counseling or lifestyle changes. You can assist 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 problems you're experiencing, as they may be able to identify something you missed. A diagnosis can be an effective way to build self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life. Treatment Women with ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home, maintaining healthy relationships, or being productive at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and the 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 partner abuse. Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medications. Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines aid in regulating brain activity and control the symptoms. If these medications aren't effective or appropriate, healthcare providers can prescribe nonstimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the most effective treatment is. While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men, they are consistently under-diagnosed due to the ways 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 biased towards male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized. Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for many women. It can provide an external explanation for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing they can improve symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them throughout their age. Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the best method for women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals for her to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists her to identify and overcome negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the capability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who have a similar condition. Self-help Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period, as their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD symptoms by implementing strategies to cope that allow them to appear “normal” and conform to societal norms. These strategies for coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they may stop women from seeking treatment. It's important as well as self-help methods, to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. simply click for source can diagnose and treat this disorder, as well as help women and girls better understand its effects. Females suffering from ADHD often develop anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain relationships. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which can put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among 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 antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the course of a woman's life. Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help techniques, including regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at work or school. It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms such as emotional distress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a reference to biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but the gender is an internal concept of self that is assigned at birth or determined by the person's behavior and appearance.