ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to different social expectations than males, and those expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender-based stereotypes, hormonal changes and the severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD often have symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or busy environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being a woman, such as social norms and family obligations.
These issues can make it harder for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't fit the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must be present for at least six month to be considered as ADHD. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, for example, trying to pretend they aren't stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easy to see in males and females. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, like anxiety or depression. These can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
Another reason why women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with 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 add in women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type is more difficult to recognize because it's more internal -for example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived - than women who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others as well as an absence of support, and a lack of ability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and because of gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of practices and beliefs that can negatively impact how doctors determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of ratings scales that are biased towards male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that can lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate in meetings at work or during college lectures, and may be unable to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They might have homes that are cluttered, forget their appointments and not pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
Symptoms may also change at different stages of life. For example, they may worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopause which can increase irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be more at risk of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they are unable to insist that their partners make use of contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could be beneficial as well. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you have and your medication history when choosing a treatment plan. You might also need counseling or lifestyle changes. You can assist your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and letting them know about any changes you observe. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family members 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 have difficulties managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls with untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky behaviors or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners as compared to their peers who do not have the disorder.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If inattentive add in women aren't appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best method of treatment.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they are not diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and conceal them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior symptoms, so women's symptoms can be incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Many women consider it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide an external explanation for their problems and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Additionally, knowing that they can reduce their health and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the most effective way for many women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies to cope and establish achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the capability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet other women who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a long time because their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet the norms of society. adhd symptoms in women test coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but they could prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
It's crucial in addition to self-help techniques, to seek medical attention from a doctor who specializes in treating ADHD for females. They are able to diagnose and treat this disorder, and help girls and women to better understand the consequences.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which puts them at risk for unwanted sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for their loved ones to understand or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could help them manage their symptoms.
It is important that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques like breathing and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, such as chromosomes and hormones, but the gender is an internal perception of self that can be given at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.