ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than men, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, forgetting details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women have to meet in their families and societal roles.
These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be present for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. It is also important to recognize that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They might resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they are not stressed or overstate symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. In addition, they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, such as anxiety or depression, which can be ignored as an ADHD symptom.
Another reason that women with ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a bias against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing, which tend to favor male behaviour and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or thinking about things. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessment and getting much-needed assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reactivity to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can cause problems with relationships with others and result in an absence of support networks 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 hide their symptoms and gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of practices and beliefs that affect how healthcare professionals diagnose and treat girls and women with ADHD. This can take 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 inattention ADHD often have difficulty with focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay focused at home or in their personal relationships. They may have messy homes or forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when facing rejection or failure.
Symptoms can also vary in different seasons of life. They may worsen, for example, during menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause more irritation. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they could struggle to maintain friendships because of social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pressured to engage in sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy when they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine can help too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or medications you have. You may also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors aware of any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing, as they may be able to identify something you did not notice. A diagnosis can be an effective way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their household or maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medication. adhd in adult women test , like methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best treatment plan is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they are not diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for their problems and restore their sense of self-worth. Also knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life skills that will help them throughout their lives can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the best method for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman build coping strategies and establish realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral treatment (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the capability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Some women might also benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who are also affected by the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed for a lengthy period, as their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but can prevent women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help methods, it's important to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, as well as help women and girls learn more about its consequences.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. These issues can be further complicated by their propensity to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which could put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for their family members to understand or help them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can improve focus and attention. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure they're effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from self-help techniques like regular exercise, maintaining a daily schedule, or making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations for school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a doctor or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other symptoms such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping strategies like breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.