ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subject to a different set of societal expectations than men, and these expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD typically experience symptoms such as trouble staying organized, trouble recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women face, such as family and social roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated because of these issues. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't meet the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must last for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they don't feel stressed or overstate symptoms that are more apparent in boys and men. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety, which can be ignored as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field may also be a reason why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing that are biased towards male behaviour and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD experience negative self-esteem and internalized stigma which makes them less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose, as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even thinking about things. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking tests and seeking help.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a greater tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived - than those who do not have ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others, an absence of support, and an inability to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect the way that clinicians diagnose girls and women with ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing in meetings at work or during college lectures, and may also struggle to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or fail to 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 disappointment.
It is also possible that symptoms change at different stages of life. They may worsen in the course of a woman’s menstrual period or during the time leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause more irritation. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your history of medication when deciding the best treatment plan. You may also require counseling and lifestyle changes. You can assist your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you notice. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any issues you're experiencing because they might be able to identify something you missed. A diagnosis can be an effective way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem and shame, particularly since the norms of society often require women to take care of. 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 risky sexual behavior or become victims of partner abuse.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If they aren't efficient or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the most effective treatment is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. In addition, the scales of rating and interview methods for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior symptoms, so some female symptoms are misinterpreted or under-identified.
Many women consider it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for their problems and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and acquire life skills that will help them throughout their age.
For many women, the most beneficial method of learning to deal with their ADHD is to use a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and establish achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and modify negative behavior and thoughts as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a long time since their symptoms aren't like boys. They can disguise their ADHD traits by developing coping mechanisms that permit them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These strategies for coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they could hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It is important as well as self-help techniques to seek medical attention from a doctor who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its effects on women and girls.
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. These issues can be complicated by their propensity to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which puts them at risk of having unintentional sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. adhd in women treatment are also common among women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for their family members to understand or help them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants can help improve focus and attention by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they work throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, keeping an agenda for the day, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that could assist in managing their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other issues such as emotional distress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques that include breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.