ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD have different social expectations than men, and these expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment should consider gender stereotypes hormone fluctuations, symptom severity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have issues such as staying organized, forgetting details, and working in noisy or crowded environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women have to meet in their families and social roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a difficult in getting diagnosed and treated because of these challenges. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and must be present for at least six month to qualify as ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to see in men and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews, which tend to favor male behaviour and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from an internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty focus on work or thinking about things. 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 help.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived - than those who do not have ADHD. This can cause issues in interpersonal relationships as well as a lack of support and an inability for women to ask for assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect how doctors identify women and girls with ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that lead to confusion in diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate in meetings at work or during college lectures, and may be unable to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. For inattentive add in women , they can be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or in the run-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormone changes can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitivities to rejection. They could be at a higher risk of being pushed into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancies because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may be beneficial as well. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You may also have to make lifestyle changes and seek counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes you observe. You can discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they might be able to detect things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to be caretakers. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women with untreated ADHD are more at risk for engaging in dangerous sexual behavior or being victims of intimate partner violence as compared to their peers who do not suffer from the disorder.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate a woman's needs, symptoms and medical history to determine the best method of treatment.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they aren't diagnosed as such because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them with other conditions like depression or anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for many women. It can offer an external explanation for their problems and restore their sense of self-worth. Additionally, knowing that they can improve their condition and develop life skills that will help them throughout their lives can boost confidence in women.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the best way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and establish achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from finding an ADHD support group to make connections with others who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to the norms of society. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help methods It is essential to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and provide a better understanding of its effects on girls and women.
Females with ADHD tend to develop anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain relationships with their loved ones. This can be made worse by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at a young age, putting them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood fluctuations are also common among women suffering from ADHD which can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate moods and emotions. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout a woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help methods such as regular exercise, keeping an agenda for the day, setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that can alleviate their symptoms.
It is essential that women and girls with ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve the 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.