ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and at school, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD often experience symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being a woman, such as social norms and family obligations.
These challenges can make it difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. Symptoms must be present since childhood, and they should last for at minimum six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis. It is also important to recognize that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. In addition they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, including anxiety or depression, which could be overlooked as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field could also be the reason for why women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. adhd in women test of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or dreaming. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity to rejection which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived - than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships with others as well as the lack of support and an inability for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD frequently have trouble attending to college lectures or business meetings. They may struggle to stay focused at home or in their personal relationships. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For instance, they can get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal which can cause increased irritability and mood swings. Women with ADHD may also have issues in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they may struggle to maintain friendships because of social rejection sensitivity. They could be more prone to be pressured to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from and your medical history when deciding on the best treatment plan. You might also need counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctor updated on any changes you observe in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they could be able to spot things that you might miss. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are typically expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, assist in controlling brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they are not diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and mask them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior symptoms, so some female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Many women consider it to be a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide a external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will benefit them throughout their age.
For many women, the best method of learning to manage their ADHD is to use the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can assist a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and change negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to set and maintain personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from finding an ADHD support group to make connections with others who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for long periods of time because their symptoms don't appear like those of boys. They may hide their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to the norms of society. These strategies for coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they can stop women from seeking treatment.
In addition to self-help techniques It is important to seek treatment with an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition, and assist women and girls learn more about its effects.
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at a younger age, which puts the risk of unintentional sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Mood swings are also common in women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for loved ones to comprehend or help them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve concentration and focus by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter the dosage of these medications to ensure they're effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at work or school.
It is important that girls and women with ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other symptoms, such as emotional distress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping techniques like breathing and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance the 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 that is given at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.