ADHD in Women Adults
Women who suffer from ADHD have a variety of issues. They might find it difficult to cope with daily tasks, deal with relationship issues and meet social expectations. They may also have difficulty staying focused at work and may forget appointments.
A recent study explored the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. The study revealed that, although the diagnosis brought relief and helped to make sense of past struggles, it could be bittersweet.
Diagnosis
It may seem like the first step towards understanding and managing your symptoms when you're diagnosed with ADHD. It can also help you put a name to the things you struggle with and view them as something that can be addressed and not something that makes you "weird."
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, and it is more difficult for them to identify themselves with ADHD. They might have gotten used to hiding their inattention by working late or by using tools like planners and smartphones to track daily tasks. Or, they may be able hide their impulsivity by acting quickly to speed up projects or make comments in conversations without thinking.
It is important to talk to a mental health professional who has worked with adults in order to establish diagnosis. It's also helpful to have a supportive friends and family members to help navigate the process. A health healthcare provider or mental health professional may utilize standardized scales for assessing behavior or ADHD checklists for assessing an adult's symptoms and determine if they satisfy the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD. A physical exam and medical history are typically part of an adult diagnostic evaluation. Psychological tests are used to evaluate executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual skills (related to spatiality) and reasoning skills.
If untreated, ADHD can lead to numerous challenges in women's lives. Some of them are related to careers issues, like having difficulty maintaining a job, adhering to corporate policies, or meeting deadlines, and may lead to feelings of low self-esteem or confidence. Women with ADHD are more likely to be afflicted with co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD regret the years of struggle without being aware of the reasons. They may have experienced difficulties in relationships or at work, or be enduring the burden of financial stress. Matlen states that when people receive a diagnosis they usually have to do some grief work and accept the reality of what went wrong in their past. She adds, however, that once a diagnosis is established, people can go forward in a new way with reassurance and optimism for the future.
Treatment Options
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. They can also receive the assistance they require to manage their symptoms in school, at work and at home.
It is important to recognize the symptoms, which include difficulty organizing and managing time and work forgetfulness; difficulty adhering to guidelines or rules; difficulties getting along with co-workers and classmates, or teachers; and an impulsive attitude. These issues can cause serious issues with school and work performance, self-esteem, and relationships.
Experts have stated that women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are able to mask their symptoms better than men or boys. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. The symptoms of these subtypes are more easy to spot in boys and men, so they are more likely to draw attention which leads to a diagnosis.
In addition to the behavioral strategies, many people with ADHD find that counseling or therapy helps to manage their condition. These therapies can help with a variety of symptoms, including anxiety and depression. Certain kinds of therapy, like cognitive behavioral can teach you how to alter negative thinking patterns that can cause issues in your daily life.
Other treatments, such as meditation, yoga and regular exercise, can improve brain function by helping you to calm down and focus your thoughts. They can also boost your energy levels and help combat mood disorders. Sleeping enough and eating an appropriate diet can improve your symptoms.
Adults with ADHD might benefit from asking their co-workers or supervisors to accommodate their needs. They can ask for more detailed explanations or additional time to complete their assignments.
ADHD can be treated by taking medication. Stimulant medications are typically the first line of treatments, however non-stimulant drugs may be a possibility.
Some adults with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments, getting the proper amount of sleep and using technology such as ADHD-assisting smartphone apps. They should also visit their doctor regularly and take any prescribed medication. They may also be able take part in a study known as a clinical trial. It is a research study that explores new ways to treat or prevent diseases.
Support Groups
Women often feel lonely when they are struggling to deal with the challenges of their ADHD. Support groups can help. Certain organizations have forums for people to share their experiences online. Some of these groups might not be moderated by mental health experts, but they do provide a safe space to share frustrations and brainstorm with other. Some of these support groups provide resources and advice on managing ADHD.
According to a study, females who exhibit symptoms that manifest as inattention are less likely to be identified and referred for evaluation as males who exhibit similar symptoms. They are therefore more likely to go undiagnosed, and suffer impairment. Many women have learned to mask symptoms by using strategies such as reminders on their phones and routines to conform to social expectations. These tools can also create stress and anxiety.
It is important for women to locate an expert doctor who is aware of the way gender and ADHD interact. A therapist who has experience can assist women to identify ways that they may be masking symptoms and internalizing struggles. This will allow them to recognize their strengths and boost their self-efficacy.
A diagnosis of ADHD may have a positive effect on how women perceive themselves. Several of the women interviewed in the study reported that they felt relieved after receiving an diagnosis. They were able to accept their own challenges and become more confident in their capabilities. Additionally, knowing that they were not alone aided them to accept their past mistakes and make positive changes to their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the course of an individual's life. adhd symptoms in women adults can affect their relationships with their jobs, relationships, and daily activities. They may underestimate the amount of time required to complete a task, or forget to make appointments. They may have trouble concentrating at work or school or at work, and they might be struggling with their finances. Many of these women have difficulty maintaining a relationship or marriage, while others suffer from low self-esteem.
Medication
Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have a difficult time dealing with everyday life. They may struggle with finances, organizing their homes, or maintaining healthy relationships. The symptoms can also impact the academic and work performance. If ADHD is left untreated, it can negatively impact the self-esteem of a woman as well as her ability to feel successful both in her personal life and career.
Many women with ADHD aren't diagnosed because their symptoms are less active or impulsive, and are more inactive. This is likely due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions as well as the lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms are often different than those seen in men and boys. It is crucial to remember that some people have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression or physical illnesses like sleep disorders, tics, and fibromyalgia. These can cause symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD.
Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD in adulthood is an empowering experience that can drastically enhance a woman's quality of life. It can also help her regain confidence in herself since she will understand that her challenges are not her fault.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated first with stimulant medication. However, for certain adults, stimulants aren't the right option. If adhd in adult women treatment are unable to tolerate stimulants, there are non-stimulant medications such as antidepressants or atomoxetine. It is crucial to report any other supplements or medications you're taking to your physician, since certain medications interact with others.
A therapist or healthcare provider can provide you with strategies to increase your productivity and improve organization, as well manage symptoms. They can also work with you to address any emotional issues that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD benefit from working with a career or life coach. They can help them learn how to manage daily tasks and set goals, and then achieve them.
There are increasing efforts being made to understand the differences in diagnosis treatment, gender, and diagnosis. This includes making sure that all children are screened for ADHD and that girls and women with the disorder are accurately diagnosed.