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 result in shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD often have symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, for example, the demands of society and family roles.
These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last for at least six month to be considered ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, for example, pretending they are not feeling stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easy to see in males and females. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community could be another reason why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviews which are biased towards 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 an evaluation for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to identify, since they might have difficulty focus on work or dreaming. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and getting much-needed help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived - than those without ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and can lead to the absence of support networks and the inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD until they reach adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. It can take the form of scales for rating that are biased towards male behavior, or through internalized feelings that can lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing in meetings at work or during college lectures, and may be unable to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes or forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.
It is also possible that symptoms alter at different times of life. They may be more severe in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be more likely to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may be beneficial as well. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will take into consideration any other health issues and the history of medications you've had. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes you observe in yourself. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any problems you're having as they might be able to identify something you did not notice. A diagnosis can be a powerful way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their household, maintaining healthy relationships, or doing well at work. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of self-esteem issues or shame, especially since women are typically expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky actions or being victims of violence from intimate partners than their peers who don't suffer from the disorder.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms. If inattentive adhd in women aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective method of treatment.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However, they are under-diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and mask them with other conditions like anxiety or depression. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are heavily influenced by male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide an external explanation for the difficulties they confront and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and learn life skills that will benefit them into old age.
For many women, the most effective way to learn how to manage their ADHD is through a combination of strategies for managing behavior and mental health treatments. Therapy can help a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and modify negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to set and respect personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for long periods of time since their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They can disguise their ADHD symptoms by implementing strategies to cope that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. inattentive adhd in women coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but can prevent women from seeking an diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to seek treatment with a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition and give a better understanding of its effects on girls and women.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings, which can make it hard for their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase attention and focus. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are used to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure they work throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from self-help techniques such as regular exercise, keeping an agenda for the day, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who has experience with the condition, since they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble making or maintaining relationships and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping methods, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a reference to biology, which includes chromosomes and hormones, but that gender is an internal sense of self, which can be established at birth or by the person's behavior and appearance.