ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD face a different set of societal expectations than men, and these expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into consideration gender stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD often experience symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that are associated with being a woman, such as social norms and family obligations.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult to be diagnosed and treated because of these issues. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, for example, pretending that they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easier to detect in males and boys. Moreover, they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. These could be dismissed as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field may also be a reason why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing that are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD experience an internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to diagnose, as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even daydreaming. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable response to perceived or real rejection, than women without ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships and an absence of support, and a reluctance to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to hide their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. It can be in form in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Girls and women who suffer from inattentive ADHD typically have difficulty focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying focused at home or in their relationships. They might have homes that are cluttered, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when faced with rejection or disappointment.
Symptoms can also vary at different times of life. They may be more severe when, for instance, it is a woman’s menstrual period or during the time leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause more the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due social rejection sensitivity. They might be more at risk of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancy because they are unable to insist that their partners take contraceptives.
A clear diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be beneficial. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your medication history when choosing an appropriate treatment plan. You may also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can help your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you notice. You can also discuss any issues you have with your friends and family members, as they might be able to identify things that you might miss. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. The symptoms can also cause feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual conduct or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications are not efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and history to determine what the best course of treatment is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males but they are not always diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or cover them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior symptoms, so women's symptoms can be misinterpreted or under-identified.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a reason external for the struggles they face and help them regain their self-worth. Also, knowing that they can reduce their health and develop skills that will help them for a long time can boost confidence in women.
For many women, the best method to cope with their ADHD is to use a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can assist a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals for her to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her to identify and overcome negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the capability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. adhd symptoms in women adults may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group to network with women who have a similar condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a lengthy period since their symptoms don't look the same as in boys. They can disguise their ADHD traits by developing coping mechanisms that permit them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These strategies of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they could hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help methods It is important to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition and assist women and girls better understand its effects.
Females with ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain close relationships. These issues can be further complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at an earlier age, which could put them at risk for unwanted sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women with ADHD and can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
The most common treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which may improve attention and focus. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are used to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure they work throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help methods, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other issues such as anxiety as well as low self-esteem and difficulty finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques that include breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including chromosomes and hormones, but the gender is an internal sense of self that is assigned at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.