ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD have different social expectations than men, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and at school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded areas. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and social roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the criteria. Symptoms have to be present since childhood, and they must last at least six months to qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They may use strategies to disguise their symptoms. For example they may pretend that they're not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
Another reason women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD experience an internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose, since they might have difficulty focusing on tasks or dreaming. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influencers and high-profile women, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking tests and getting much-needed assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity to rejection which is a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether it is real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can interfere with relationships with others and result in the absence of support networks and a failure to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers a set of practices and beliefs that can negatively impact how doctors identify and treat girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of ratings scales which are biased toward male behavior, or by internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing in meetings at work or during college lectures, and may also struggle to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have homes that are cluttered, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when facing rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also be different in different seasons of life. They may worsen when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopausal changes, which can cause more the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have issues in their relationships due to of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They might be at chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having pregnancies that are not planned because they have difficulty insisting that their partners take contraceptives.
Making an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could be beneficial as well. Your doctor will consider any other health issues you have and your medical history when deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. You may also have to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family members and friends members, because they may be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be an effective step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are often expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more prone for engaging in unsafe sexual actions or being victims of violence from intimate partners as compared to their peers who do not suffer from the disorder.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable or effective healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate 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 under-diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and conceal them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior, which means that certain female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for their problems and restore their sense of self-worth. Additionally knowing that they can improve their health and develop skills that will serve them well into old age can boost confidence in women.
For many women, the most effective method of learning to cope with their ADHD is through the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can help a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals for her to succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the capability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. adhd in older women might also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who have a similar condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for long periods of time since their symptoms don't appear like boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These strategies of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they could prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
In addition to self-help methods It is important to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, as well as help women and girls learn more about its consequences.
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age and are at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it difficult for their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can modify 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 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 alleviate their symptoms.
It is crucial that girls and women suffering from ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other symptoms, such as depression, emotional stress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping skills that include relaxation and breathing techniques to help ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.