ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can cause them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender stereotypes, hormone changes and the severity of symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
adhd in young women and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have issues such as keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details, and working in noisy or crowded areas. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women have to meet, such as family and social roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood, and they must last for at least six months to qualify for a diagnosis. It is also important to recognize that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They might resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For example they might claim that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more apparent in boys and men. In addition they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, including anxiety or depression, which can be overlooked as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field could be another 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 behaviour 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.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose because they may have trouble working or focusing on their tasks, or even daydreaming. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessments and getting much-needed help.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a greater tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether it is real or perceived - than women who do not suffer from ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships, a lack of support and a reluctance to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set beliefs and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This could be in the form of rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior or internalized feelings that cause incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing on business meetings or college classes, and could be unable to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes and forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. They may worsen when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or during the time leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more the irritability. Women with ADHD might also have difficulties in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They might be at a higher risk of being pressured into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancies because they are unable to insist that their partners take contraceptives.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from and your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You may also be required to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and informing them about any changes that you notice. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, as they might be able to identify things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their household, maintaining healthy relationships, or being productive at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since the norms of society often require women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate help regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. If these aren't effective or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective option for her.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males, they are consistently under-diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or mask them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, some female symptoms are misinterpreted or under-identified.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and restore their self-worth. Also knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life abilities that will last for a long time can boost confidence in women.
For many women, the most effective way to learn how to deal with their ADHD is to use a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can help women develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals that she can succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the ability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Some women might also benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who have a similar condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms do not look the same as those of boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help techniques, to seek treatment from a healthcare provider 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 effects.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. This can be made worse by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at an early age and are at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings, which can make it difficult for their loved ones accept them or to support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate emotions and moods. They can be adjusted by a doctor to ensure maximum effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help methods, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that can help ease their symptoms at work or school.
It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other issues such as emotional distress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies such as relaxation and breathing techniques to ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also acknowledged that gender is an internal perception of self that is assigned at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.