ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can lead them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and social roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't meet the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six months in order to be considered ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms as a result, which is one of the main reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to spot in both men and boys. adhd in women are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field may also be a reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviewing that tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD suffer from an internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to identify due to its more internal naturefor example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking help.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection - an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships and the lack of support and an inability to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This could be due to their ability to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who suffer from inattentive ADHD frequently have trouble staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying focused at home or in their relationships. They may have homes that are cluttered or forget appointments, and fail to pay bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. They may worsen in the course of menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopausal changes, which can cause increased the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They could be at risk of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they are unable to insist that their partners make use of contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine can help too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you have and your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You may also have to alter your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctor aware of any changes you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your friends and family members, as they could be able to detect things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a significant step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more at risk for engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors or becoming victims of intimate partner violence than those who don't suffer from the disorder.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However, they are under-diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them with other conditions such as depression or anxiety. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, some female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Many women consider it an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing they can improve symptoms and learn life skills that will help them well into their old age.
For many women, the most beneficial way to learn how to manage their ADHD is to use a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can help a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals that she can succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the ability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a lengthy period because their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by implementing coping mechanisms that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to social norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but could prevent women from seeking a diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help techniques to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, as well as help women and girls to better understand the consequences.
Females who suffer from ADHD frequently experience depression and anxiety and may struggle to maintain relationships. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women suffering from ADHD which can make it difficult for their loved ones to understand or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to manage moods and emotions. They can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout a woman's life.
Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, keeping an agenda for the day, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations for work or school that can ease their symptoms.
It is essential that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as anxiety 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 ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.