ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often exhibit different symptoms than men. The symptoms of impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty interpreting social cues can make it hard to make friends or maintain relationships.
These differences and biases in the treatment process result in the incorrect diagnosis of adhd and its undertreatment in young women.
Signs and symptoms
Adhd is characterized by an inability to organize in which people forget appointments and bills, and difficulty maintaining friendships. Women and girls may also have difficulty maintaining relationships, exhibit impulsivity, which can lead to risk-taking behavior such as sexual activity, or be prone to emotional turbulence. They are often misunderstood their peers and struggle with anxiety or depression disorders that co-occur with ADHD making it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Some women and girls do not show obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle school or in elementary school, and then they compensate when they enter high school, when social and academic expectations are raised. They don't seek help until they have trouble coping in college or at work.
Research shows that girls and women are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed for ADHD as compared to men and boys. This is due to gender bias, which can often be not intentional. Particularly, women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms as previously mentioned or they present with different types of symptoms than males.
Girls and women also are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD due to their propensity to show mood or emotional symptoms, like irritability, rage and depression. They are more likely to be referred for anxiety or mood disorders and to receive inappropriate treatment, which can compound their issues by masking the root causes.
Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent for girls and women. It manifests as lack of focus, missing deadlines, or making mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or the things that occur around you. You also lose track of time while doing your work. You find it difficult to relax and are unable to sit still. You aren't able to keep your space or desk organized and you can easily become overwhelmed in restaurants or shopping. You are more likely to forget important events or details, for example, birthdays of friends.
Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD - which is more prevalent in boys and men - can interfere with relationships, schoolwork and job performance. You are always moving, you interrupt others and you have difficulty listening to what they are saying. You have a hard time being still and you may fidget or act on impulse like squirming your seat or pulling at your hair. You aren't able to control your emotions, and you may make hurtful or embarrassing comments.
Diagnosis
For women and girls suffering from ADHD An getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A correct diagnosis can help you comprehend the difficulties you are facing and help you find the support and resources you require to feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women feel relief from their diagnosis because it provides a reason for the difficulties they've been unable to comprehend or blamed on discrimination against women or poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care professional can determine if you have ADHD by looking at your symptoms and background, and using an assessment checklist or questionnaire to determine their intensity. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They can suggest methods and medications to improve your performance. Your doctor might suggest methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Or, they may suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The drugs used to treat ADHD contain stimulants that increase your alertness and focus as well as non-stimulants to can help you stay focused, without increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD in girls and women is often diagnosed much later than males and boys. This is probably due to sexist views as well as a lack of access to health care and misperceptions about how the disorder manifests itself for females.
Symptoms can vary across the years and can become more severe prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. adhd symptoms in women test can complicate the diagnosis process and treatment options for girls and women with ADHD. For example, impulsivity and inattention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings in relationships with romantic friends, partners or colleagues. It can also make it hard for them to keep up with work or social engagements. They may also struggle to complete tasks like paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing household chores. This can cause feeling dissatisfied with their lives and exacerbate emotional issues such as anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex differences in ADHD are likely the result of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. Gender refers to the person's assigned status at birth according to their chromosomes as well as their anatomy and includes those who identify as women or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls don't receive a precise diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Being diagnosed early will help people better understand their symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options. The most effective approach to treating ADHD in girls and women is to use a multimodal approach that includes medication, therapy and counseling as well as home and work accommodations and lifestyle plans.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and have a difficult dealing with relationships. They are often misunderstood either by romantic partners or other people. This can lead to anger and feeling of unfairness. They also have a higher chance of developing co-occurring anxiety and depression.
They typically have a harder time finding work or maintaining jobs because of their disorganization in their lives, lack of time management skills, and difficulties in executive functions (planning, organizing, prioritizing). Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or develop meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can lead them to seek out unhealthy ways to cope like excessive drinking and drugs.
The most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and clonidine.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. This is a type of talking therapy aimed at changing the way an individual thinks and acts. This could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing the way the person perceives or reacts to situations. It can also involve incorporating lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should only be done under the supervision of health professionals.
People who suffer from ADHD need a solid support system that could include family, friends as well as colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they take part in community or support groups, as they can offer a safe place to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD and offer tips on how to manage it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD struggle with creating and maintaining friendships. They may also suffer from low self-esteem or depression. They can be more at risk for destructive and impulsive behaviors that could expose them to harming themselves or others. These behaviors can include the lack of security measures, drug or alcohol misuse, or engagement in sexual activities that are high risk.
A doctor must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. This includes the patient's medical and mental background as well as their current mood. The physician will also examine the surroundings of the person to determine whether they could be a cause.
There are a variety of resources for people suffering from ADHD, including support groups and websites that offer information and tools. There are also books that can help you manage the disorder and make it more successful in the world of work. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges girls with ADHD face. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to increase focus, motivation and performance, whether or not you take medication" provides a variety of alternative treatments.
Connecting with other people with the same diagnosis can provide a lot support and empathy. Many websites and social media platforms offer assistance for those suffering from ADHD such as ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parent group. Some organizations offer day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizing skills.
Many people with ADHD could benefit from working with a professional counselor or coach to master new strategies for coping and achieving their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist who is specialized in treating mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or ADHD. Many people use apps, such as the popular wunderlist and software, to monitor their daily activities. There are many websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It pairs individuals who share the same task together via remote.