ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subjected to certain social norms as compared to males. These expectations can lead people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and at school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, forgetting details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women face in their families and social roles.
These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last for at least six months to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons that women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, for example, pretending they are not feeling stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easy to see in men and boys. They are also more likely to suffer 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 within the medical field could be another reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools are biased toward male behavior and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD experience an internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type is more difficult to recognize because it's more internal -for example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influencers and high-profile women such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessments and seeking out the needed help.
Women with ADHD have a greater tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived - than those without ADHD. This can cause problems with interpersonal relationships and lead to an absence of support networks and the inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD until they reach adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or due to 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. This can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing in meetings at work or during college classes, and could also have difficulty staying focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have homes that are cluttered and forget appointments and fail to pay bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. For instance, they can worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopausal symptoms which can trigger irritability as well as mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitivities to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine can help too. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you suffer from and your medical history when deciding on an appropriate treatment plan. You might also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes you observe in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you are having because they might be able spot something that you missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who are not treated may have difficulties managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. adhd women uk can also cause feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as the norms of society often require women to be caregivers. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women with untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in dangerous sexual behaviors or becoming victims of intimate partner violence than their peers who do not suffer from the disorder.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze a woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a reason external for the challenges they face and help them regain their self-worth. Furthermore, knowing that they can manage their health and develop skills that will help them for a long time can boost confidence of women.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the most effective way for women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing coping strategies and achieve achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can increase mindfulness and the capability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms are not like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to the norms of society. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but could prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help techniques to seek out the help of a medical professional who specializes in treating ADHD for females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and help you understand its effects on girls and women.
Women suffering from ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age and are at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for their family members to understand or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which can increase attention and focus. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate moods and emotions. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure they are 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 find out about accommodations that could aid in easing their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a professional and therapist with experience with the disorder, as they can assist with a range of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and problems at work or in school. They can also teach coping strategies, including breathing and relaxation techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, such as chromosomes and hormones, but the gender is an internal concept of self that is assigned at birth or determined by a person's behavior and appearance.