ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subjected to different expectations from society compared to men. These expectations can lead them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into account gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD often have symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women have to meet in their families and societal roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to be diagnosed and treated because of these difficulties. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be present for at least six month to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to know that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms as a result, which is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They might resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. In addition, they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. These is often ignored as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews and these tools tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD are afflicted with internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to identify, because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or thinking about things. With add and adhd in women increased awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reaction to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships and the lack of support and a lack of ability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability conceal their symptoms and gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to the set of practices and beliefs that negatively influence how clinicians identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. This can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that lead to confusion in diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may have trouble focusing on business meetings or college lectures. They may also have difficulty staying focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have homes that are cluttered or forget appointments, and fail to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted during social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. They may worsen when, for instance, it is the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can increase irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They are more likely to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy if they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your medical history when deciding on the best treatment plan. You may also be required to make lifestyle changes and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and informing them about any changes that you observe. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any problems you're having, as they may be able spot something that you missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulties managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are typically expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behavior or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications are not suitable or effective medical professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the 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 aren't diagnosed as such because they tend to hide their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior, which means that some female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Many women consider it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a reason external for the struggles they face and restore their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing they can improve symptoms and learn life skills that will benefit them into old age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best method for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies to cope and achieve realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and change negative behavior and thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to make connections with others who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed for a lengthy period, as their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking an diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies It is essential to seek treatment with an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition, and help girls and women to better understand the effects.
Females suffering from ADHD often develop anxiety and depression as well as struggle to maintain relationships. These issues can be further complicated by their propensity to become sexually active at a younger age, which puts them at risk for unwanted sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for their family members to understand or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which may improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure they work throughout a woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help techniques, including regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that can alleviate their symptoms.
It is essential that girls and women with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as depression, emotional stress, low self-esteem and difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques such as breathing and relaxation techniques to help ease symptoms and improve their lives. 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 behaviour and appearance.