ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subjected to different expectations from society compared to men. These expectations can lead women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details, and working in noisy or crowded environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women have to meet like family and social roles.
These issues can make it harder for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be present for at least six months to qualify as ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to cover up their symptoms. treatment for adhd in women may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they're not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more visible for both genders. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviews which tend to favor 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 evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive type, and this type can be harder to recognize because it's more internallike being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity towards rejection - an intense, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived - than those who do not have ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and lead to an absence of support networks and the inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to cover up their symptoms or gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that can negatively impact how doctors identify girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate during business meetings or college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes or forget appointments, and fail to 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 alter at different times of life. They may be more severe when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause increased the irritability. 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 keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed into sexual activities or to have unplanned pregnancy when they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You might also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can aid your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and letting them know about any changes you notice. You can also speak to your family and friends about any problems you're having 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 are not treated may have difficulty managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. The symptoms can also trigger feelings such as low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are often expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual conduct or become victims of abuse from their partners.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze a woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the best treatment plan is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for the struggles they face and help them regain their self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and learn life skills that can benefit them well into their old age.
For many women, the most beneficial method of learning to manage their ADHD is through a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and establish realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and alter negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Additionally, adhd symptoms in women test might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms do not look the same as the boys. They may mask their ADHD traits by developing coping mechanisms that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These strategies for coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can stop women from seeking treatment.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help methods, to seek medical attention from a doctor that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition and help girls and women better understand its effects.
Females who suffer from ADHD often develop anxiety and depression as well as 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 in their early years which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention 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. A doctor can alter the dosage of these medications to ensure they're effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from self-help methods like regular exercise, maintaining an agenda for the day, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at work or school that can alleviate their symptoms.
It is crucial that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other issues such as emotional distress, low self-esteem and difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.