ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subject to different expectations from society in comparison to men. These expectations can lead them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD often have symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being a woman, such as social norms and family obligations.
These issues can make it harder for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the criteria. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at minimum six months in order to qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms, which is one of the primary reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to disguise their symptoms, like pretending they are not feeling stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to see in men and boys. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, including depression or anxiety, which is often ignored as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD experience negative self-esteem and internalized stigma and are less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize due to its more internal nature- such as being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships as well as the lack of support and a reluctance to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify women and girls with ADHD. This can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or due to internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD frequently have trouble attending to college lectures or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying on track at home or in their relationships. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different at different times of life. They may be more severe, for example, during the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause more the irritability. Women with ADHD may also have issues in their relationships with partners because of impulsivity and poor planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They might be at risk of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate can ease symptoms. adhd traits in women -stimulants, like atomoxetine can help too. Your doctor will consider any other health issues you suffer from and your history of medication when deciding a treatment plan. You may also be required to alter your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you observe. You can also speak to your family and friends about any problems you are having, as they may be able spot something that you didn't 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 suffering from ADHD who are not treated may have difficulty managing their home, maintaining healthy relationships, or performing well at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as society's expectations typically require women to take care of. Additionally, due to their impulsivity, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more prone for engaging in dangerous sexual actions or being victims of intimate partner violence than their peers who don't suffer from the disorder.
attention deficit disorder in women with ADHD are typically treated with medication. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best course of action.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or cover them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, certain female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Many women consider it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can offer an external explanation for their difficulties and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will help them well into their old age.
For many women, the most effective method to cope with their ADHD is through a combination of strategies for managing behavior and mental health treatments. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her recognize and alter negative thoughts, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from finding an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for long periods of time because their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by implementing ways of coping that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but could prevent women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's important as well as self-help techniques to seek the help of a medical professional that specializes in treating ADHD among females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, and help girls and women to better understand the effects.
Females with ADHD often develop depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain relationships. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. A doctor can alter the dosage of these medications to ensure they're effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help strategies, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that can help them manage their symptoms.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to find a clinician and therapist with experience with the disorder, as they can help with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and difficulties at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques like breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and enhance quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.