ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than men, and these expectations can cause shame and self-blame. treatment for adhd in women must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being a woman, such as societal demands and family roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must last at least six months in order to qualify as ADHD. It's also important to know that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as pretending they are not feeling overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easier to detect in men and boys. Moreover, they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood and emotions, such as depression or anxiety. These could be overlooked as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could also be the reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews which tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type is more difficult to identify because it's more internal -like being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether it is real or perceived - than those without ADHD. This can interfere with relationships with others and result in the absence of support networks and the inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that negatively affect how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. This could be in form in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that can lead to misdiagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate during business meetings or college lectures, and may also struggle to stay on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted during social interactions and have difficulty controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change at different times of life. They may worsen in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopausal changes, which can increase irritation. Women with ADHD might also have difficulties in their relationships with partners because of impulsivity and poor planning, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may be beneficial as well. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions and medication history you may have. You may also have to make lifestyle changes and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you notice. You can discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they might be able to identify things you may have missed. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and take care of household chores. The symptoms can also cause feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to take care of. Because of their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from their partners.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications are not suitable or effective medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they are not diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. The rating scales for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can provide a reason external for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Additionally knowing that they can manage their condition and develop life skills that will help them for a long time can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the most effective way for women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and modify negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Some women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to network with other women who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a long time since their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to meet social norms. These strategies for coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can stop women from seeking treatment.
In addition to self-help strategies It is important to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women.
Women with ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. This can be made worse by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age, putting them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that makes it difficult to make their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are used to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure they work throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may benefit from self-help techniques like regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, creating reminders or mindfulness. signs of add in adult women can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is important that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.