ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can lead people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from symptoms like difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded areas. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with in their families and societal roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be present for at least six months in order to be considered ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons that women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident for both genders. Moreover they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood or emotions, such as depression or anxiety. These can be ignored as an ADHD symptom.
Another reason that women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose, since they might have difficulty focusing on tasks or daydreaming. 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.
adhd in women symptoms with ADHD have a greater tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection - an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and can lead to a lack of support networks and an inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. It can take the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may have trouble focusing on business meetings or college lectures, and may be unable to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes or forget their appointments and not pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For instance, they can worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopause which can increase irritability and mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to of impulsivity and poor planning, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be more prone to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can be beneficial as well. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you suffer from and your history of medication when deciding an appropriate treatment plan. 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 you notice. You can also speak to your family and friends about any issues you're experiencing as they might be able spot something that you did not notice. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home, maintaining healthy relationships, or performing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse from their partners.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication. The stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare providers may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However they are not diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses like anxiety or depression. The scales of rating for ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for their struggles and restore their sense of self-worth. Also, knowing that they can improve their symptoms and build life abilities that will last well into old age can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health therapies is the best method for women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman build coping strategies and establish realistic goals that she can achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and alter negative behavior and thoughts as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms don't look the same as the boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet societal norms. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
It's important as well as self-help strategies to seek the help of a medical professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its effects on women and girls.
Females with ADHD frequently experience anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain relationships with their loved ones. This can be made worse due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age, putting them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it hard for loved ones to understand them or support them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are used to regulate moods and emotions. 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 can benefit from a range of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at work or school.
It is crucial for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who is experienced with the condition, as they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, trouble finding or maintaining relationships, and problems at work or in school. They can also teach coping skills such as breathing techniques and relaxation to help ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a reference to biology, which includes chromosomes and hormones, but the gender is an internal perception of self that can be established at birth or by the person's behavior and appearance.