ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are governed by certain social norms as compared to males. These expectations can cause women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and at school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, difficulties remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being a woman, such as social norms and family obligations.
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 be present since childhood and they should last for at least six months before they qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to mask symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to detect in men and boys. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from a mental health condition that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. These could be overlooked as an ADHD symptom.
Another reason that women with ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools are biased toward male behavior and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD are afflicted with internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize due to its more internal naturelike being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived - than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships and a lack of support and a reluctance to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or due to gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers a set of beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. This could take the form of rating scales which are biased toward male behavior, or by internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD typically have difficulty attending to college lectures or business meetings. They may have trouble staying on task at home or in their relationships. They might have messy homes, forget appointments and fail to pay bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social interactions, and may have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment.
It is also possible that symptoms alter at different times of life. For example, they may worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or in the run-up to menopausal symptoms which can trigger irritability as well as mood fluctuations. add in adult women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They might be at risk of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancies because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you have and your medical history when deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. You may also have to change your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor updated on any changes you observe in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you're experiencing as they might be able to spot something you did not notice. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of low self-esteem and shame, particularly since societal expectations often expect women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity, and the increased 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 partner abuse.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the most effective treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they aren't diagnosed as such due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and mask them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Many women consider it to be a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide an external explanation for their struggles and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted 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 deal with their ADHD is through a combination of strategies for managing behavior and mental health therapies. Therapy can help women develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals that she can succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, and dialectical behavioral treatment (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the capability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period since their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they could stop women from seeking treatment.
It is important in addition to self-help strategies, to seek the help of a medical professional that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition, and help girls and women to better understand the consequences.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age, putting them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood fluctuations are also common among women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for loved ones to comprehend or support them.
The most common treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which may improve attention and focus. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a doctor to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout a woman's life.
adhd in women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help methods, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to seek out a therapist and therapist who has experience with the condition, as they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and issues at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques, including relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.