ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD face different social expectations than men, and these expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment should consider gender constructs hormone fluctuations, the severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and social roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult time getting diagnosed and treated due to these difficulties. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms have to be present since childhood, and they must last for at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to mask symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, for example, trying to pretend they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to see in males and females. In addition they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, including depression or anxiety. These could be ignored as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing, which are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive type, and this type is more difficult to recognize because it's more internal -for example, wandering off or not being focused on tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking tests and seeking out the needed assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection more than women with ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships, a lack of support and a lack of ability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing in meetings at work or during college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when facing rejection or failure.
Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. For example, they may worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD might also have difficulties in their relationships due to of impulsivity and poor planning, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may be beneficial as well. When choosing a treatment your doctor will consider any other health conditions and medication history you may have. You may also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can assist your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you observe. You can discuss any issues you have with your friends and family members, because they may be able to identify things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can be an effective step towards building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual conduct or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the best treatment plan is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or mask them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior symptoms, so certain female symptoms are misinterpreted or under-identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can offer an external explanation for their struggles and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing they can improve symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them well into their old age.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health therapies is the best way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women build coping strategies and establish realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts, and dialectical behavioral treatment (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the capability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Some women might also benefit by joining an ADHD support group in order to meet women who have a similar condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms do not look like those of boys. adhd in women adults iampsychiatry can disguise their ADHD symptoms by implementing ways of coping that allow them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to consult an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition and assist women and girls learn more about its effects.
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 a younger age, which could put them at risk for unwanted sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for their family members to understand or support them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to regulate emotions and moods. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout a woman's life.
Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from self-help techniques such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that can help them manage their symptoms.
It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, including breathing techniques and relaxation to ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.