ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subject to a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can lead people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal changes and the severity of symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and societal roles.
These issues can make it harder for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't fit the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six months in order to qualify as ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to mask their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to cover up their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. In addition they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety, which could be ignored as an ADHD symptom.
Another reason women with ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a bias against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD experience negative self-esteem and internalized stigma, making them less willing to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive type, and this type is more difficult to identify because it's more internalfor example, daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by famous women like 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 and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived - than women who do not have ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and lead to a lack of support networks and an inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and because of gender bias. adult female adhd symptoms is a set beliefs and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how clinicians identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that cause incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing on business meetings or college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted during social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also alter at different times of life. They may worsen, for example, during a woman’s menstrual period or in the period leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause more irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They may be more at chance of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be helpful. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you have and your history of medication when deciding a treatment plan. You may also have to change your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors informed about any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also speak to your family and friends about any problems you're having as they might be able spot something that you did not notice. A diagnosis can be a powerful way to build self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who are not treated may have difficulties managing their household, maintaining healthy relationships, or being productive at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or shame, especially since women are typically expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky actions or being victims of intimate partner violence as compared to their peers who don't suffer from the disorder.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medication. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines assist in controlling brain activity and control the symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the most effective treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they are not diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and mask them as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior symptoms, so some female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Many women consider it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide a rationale for the challenges they face and restore their self-worth. Also knowing that they can manage their health and develop skills that will help them well into old age can boost confidence of women.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the most effective way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals that she can achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and alter negative behavior and thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Some women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group in order to meet other women who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with 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 are both healthy and unhealthy, but they may stop women from seeking treatment.
In addition to self-help strategies It is important to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition and give a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age, putting them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which may improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that could help them manage their symptoms.
It is important that women and girls with ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other symptoms such as depression, emotional stress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping methods that include breathing and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender is an internal sense of self, which can be assigned at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.