ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subjected to different expectations from society as compared to males. These expectations can lead people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, forgetting details, and working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being a woman, such as social norms and family obligations.
These issues can make it difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the criteria. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last for at minimum six months in order to be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For signs of add in adult women , they might pretend that they're not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more apparent in men and boys. In addition, they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood or emotions, including anxiety or depression, which is often overlooked as an ADHD symptoms.
Another reason why women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. adhd in adult women test of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD suffer from an internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to diagnose as they may have difficulty focus on work or daydreaming. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is a strong, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived - than women without ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others, a lack of support and an inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that cause incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they may have trouble staying on task at home or in their personal relationships. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted during social interactions and have difficulty controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. They may worsen in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or in the lead-up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase irritation. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due social rejection sensitivity. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist on their partners using contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, for example, stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions or medication history you may have. You may also have to alter your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes you observe in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, as they could be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a significant step towards building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may have difficulty managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of self-esteem issues or guilt, particularly since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their insanity, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more at risk of engaging in sexually risky behaviors or becoming victims of intimate partner violence than their peers who do not have the disorder.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, assist in controlling brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications are not effective or appropriate, healthcare providers may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and history to determine what the best course of treatment is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or cover them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior symptoms, so women's symptoms can be misinterpreted or under-identified.
Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a reason external for the challenges they face and help them regain their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will help them throughout their age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist a woman build coping strategies and establish realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the capability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to connect with women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These strategies for coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's important, in addition to self-help strategies to seek out medical attention from a doctor who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, as well as help women and girls learn more about its effects.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and develop depression or anxiety. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at a young age and are at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for loved ones to comprehend or support them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants can help improve focus and attention by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure that they work throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, keeping an agenda for the day, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could assist in managing their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, including breathing and relaxation techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, such as hormones and chromosomes, but that gender is an internal concept of self, which can be given at birth or determined by the person's behavior and appearance.