ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to different social expectations than men, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender stereotypes, hormone changes and the severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and at school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have issues such as staying organized, forgetting details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being a woman, such as societal demands and family roles.
These issues can make it 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 be present since childhood and must be present for at least six month to be considered ADHD. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They might resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they are not stressed or overstate symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased toward male behaviors and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to diagnose due to its more internal naturefor example, daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and seeking help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived, than women without ADHD. This can cause problems with relationships with others and result in a lack of support networks and a failure to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls suffering from ADHD. This could take the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or through internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing in meetings at work or during college lectures, and may also have difficulty staying focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have messy homes, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when facing rejection or failure.
Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. For example, they may get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or in the run-up to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can increase irritability and mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed into sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy if they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
A clear diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions or medication history you may have. You might also need counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can help your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and informing them about any changes you notice. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family members and friends members, as they might be able to identify things that you might miss. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may have difficulties managing their home, maintaining healthy relationships, or doing well 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. Additionally, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls with untreated ADHD are more at risk of engaging in sexually risky behavior or being victims of violence from intimate partners than those who don't suffer from the disorder.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. adhd in young women will examine the woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the most effective option for her.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However, they are under-diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and mask them with other disorders such as depression or anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for their difficulties and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and acquire life skills that will help them into old age.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health treatments is the most effective way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop coping strategies and achieve realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and alter negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to set and maintain personal boundaries. Some women might benefit by joining an ADHD support group in order to meet women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not the same as the boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet the norms of society. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they could prevent women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies It is important to seek treatment with an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and help you understand its effects on women and girls.
Females with ADHD often develop anxiety and depression, and they can also struggle to maintain relationships. These issues can be further complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at an earlier age, which puts them at risk for unwanted sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women with ADHD which can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which may improve focus and attention. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. These medications can be adjusted by a doctor to ensure maximum effectiveness throughout the course of a woman's life.
Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help techniques like regular exercise, maintaining an agenda for the day, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that can help ease their symptoms at work or school.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who has experience with the condition, since they can help with a range of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble in maintaining relationships, and issues at work or in school. They can also teach coping techniques like breathing and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.