ADHD in Women and Girls<br /><br />Girls and women with ADHD are subject to a different set of societal expectations than men, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms.<br /><br />Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.<br /><br />Signs and symptoms<br /><br /><br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD may have issues such as keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded areas. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being female, such as the demands of society and family roles.<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult time getting diagnosed and treated due to these difficulties. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the requirements. Symptoms must be present since childhood, and they must last at least six months to be considered a valid diagnosis. It's also important to know that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.<br /><br />One of the main reasons women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, for example, trying to pretend they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to detect in males and boys. In addition they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood or emotions, including depression or anxiety, which could be ignored as an ADHD symptom.<br /><br />Another reason that women with 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 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 an evaluation for their symptoms.<br /><br />Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to diagnose, since they might have difficulty focusing on tasks or thinking about things. However, with 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 tests and seeking assistance.<br /><br />Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived more than women with ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships, an absence of support, and a reluctance to seek help.<br /><br />Diagnosis<br /><br />Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior or internalized emotions that cause misdiagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may have trouble focusing during business meetings or college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have messy homes or forget their appointments and not pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.<br /><br />The symptoms can also alter at different times of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the lead-up to menopause, when hormone changes can increase irritability and mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitive to rejection. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.<br /><br />A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-in-women/">Iam Psychiatry</a> , such as atomoxetine can help too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will consider any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also be required to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes you notice in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, as they could be able to detect things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.<br /><br />Treatment<br /><br />Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of self-esteem loss and shame, particularly since societal expectations often expect women to be caretakers. Due to their impulsivity, and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors or be victims of partner abuse.<br /><br />Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.<br /><br />While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other illnesses like depression and anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior symptoms, so certain female symptoms are not recognized or understood.<br /><br />Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and boost their self-esteem. Additionally, knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life skills that will help them throughout their lives can boost confidence in women.<br /><br />Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop coping strategies and achieve realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which improves awareness and the capacity of setting and observing personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the condition.<br /><br />Self-help<br /><br />Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period because their symptoms don't appear like those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD symptoms by implementing ways of coping that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These strategies of coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can stop women from seeking treatment.<br /><br />It's important, in addition to 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 help you understand its effects on girls and women.<br /><br />Females with ADHD frequently experience anxiety and depression as well as struggle to maintain relationships with their loved ones. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at a young age which puts them at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for family members to understand or help them.<br /><br />The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which may improve focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are used to regulate emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.<br /><br />Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from self-help techniques such as regular exercise, maintaining an agenda for the day, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could alleviate their symptoms.<br /><br />It is essential that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping techniques that include breathing techniques and relaxation to help ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.<br /><br />