ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may suffer from symptoms like difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded areas. They may also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being female, for example, the demands of society and family roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six month to be considered ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
Women with ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms, for example, pretending that they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression. These can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field may also be a 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 behaviors and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD are afflicted with an internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to identify because it's more internal -- such as daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on their tasks. With the growing 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 with ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable reaction to perceived or real rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships and a lack of support and an inability for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. This could take the form of rating scales which are biased toward male behavior, or due to 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. They may also struggle to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They might have messy homes and forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted during social interactions, and may have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment.
Symptoms can also vary at different times of life. For example, they may be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or in the run-up to menopause which can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to of their impulsivity and insufficient planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They may be more at risk of being pushed into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could be beneficial as well. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also have to make lifestyle changes and undergo counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you observe. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, because they may be able to detect things you may have missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are often expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from their partners.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable or effective medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best option for her.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men but they are not always diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or cover them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior symptoms, so some female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Being diagnosed with adhd symptoms women in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide a reason external for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Also knowing that they can improve their condition and develop life skills that will serve them for a long time can boost confidence in women.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best method for many women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. signs of adhd in women can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can succeed in every aspect of her life. 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 improve awareness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from finding an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms are not like the boys. They can disguise their ADHD characteristics by implementing strategies to cope that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to social norms. These strategies for coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they could stop women from seeking treatment.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help strategies to seek out the help of a medical professional who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and give a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age which puts them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it hard for their loved ones understand them or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase attention and focus. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at school or work that can alleviate their symptoms.
It's important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a professional and therapist who has experience with the condition, as they can help with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties in maintaining relationships, and difficulties at school or at work. They can also teach coping methods like breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.