ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subjected to different expectations from society as compared to males. These expectations can lead them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should consider gender stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have issues such as staying organized, forgetting details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded areas. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, for example, social norms and family obligations.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher to be diagnosed and treated because of these difficulties. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last for at least six months to qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons that women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms, like trying to pretend they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, like anxiety or depression, which is often ignored as an ADHD sign.
Another reason why women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing that are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type is more difficult to recognize because it's more internalfor example, wandering off or not being focused on tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems with interpersonal relationships and lead to a lack of support networks and a failure to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers an array of beliefs and practices that can negatively impact how doctors diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. This can take the form of rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior or internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD often have difficulty with attending to college lectures or business meetings. They might have difficulty staying on track at home or in their personal relationships. They might have messy homes or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different in different seasons of life. They can become more severe, for example, during the menstrual cycle of women or during the time leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more the irritability. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They could be more at risk of being pushed into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancy because they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be helpful. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions and the history of medications you've had. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes that you notice in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, as they might be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls with untreated ADHD are more prone for engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or being victims of violence from intimate partners as compared to their peers who don't suffer from the disorder.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, assist in controlling brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the ways they conceal their symptoms or mask them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior patterns, and as a result, women's symptoms can be not recognized or understood.
Many women consider it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide an external explanation for their problems and restore their sense of self-worth. Furthermore knowing that they can improve their symptoms and build life skills that will help them well into old age can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the most effective way for women to deal with ADHD. adhd symptoms in women can assist women in developing strategies to cope and achieve achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps her to identify and overcome negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Women may benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms are not like those of males. They may cover up their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These strategies of coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies It is essential to consult 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 effects on girls and women.
Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. These issues are complicated by their propensity to be sexually active at an earlier age, which can put them at risk of having unintentional sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve focus and attention by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage moods and emotions. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure they're effective throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help techniques, including regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations that can help ease their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who is experienced with the condition, since they can assist with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and difficulties at school or at work. They can also teach coping strategies that include breathing techniques and relaxation, 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 the way you behave and appearance.