ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subjected to certain social norms compared to men. These expectations can lead them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into consideration gender constructs, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD often have symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or busy environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and societal roles.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult to be diagnosed and treated because of these difficulties. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the criteria. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last for at least six months before they qualify for a diagnosis. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to cover up their symptoms, such as pretending that they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easier to see in men and boys. Moreover they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety, which could be ignored as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community may also be a reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because it's more internallike daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. 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 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 it is real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and lead to a lack of support networks and an inability to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, or because of gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to the set of practices and beliefs that affect how healthcare professionals determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. This could be in the form of rating scales that are skewed towards male behavior or internalized feelings that can lead to confusion in diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD frequently have trouble attending to college lectures or business meetings. They may have trouble staying on task at home or in their relationships. They may have homes that are cluttered or forget appointments, and fail to pay bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also be different in different seasons 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 with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be more prone to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. adhd traits in women , such as 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 be aware of any other health conditions and the history of medications you've had. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your physician updated on any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family and friends members, because they may be able to identify things that you might miss. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are often expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in dangerous sexual behaviors or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners than their peers who don't suffer from the disorder.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't efficient or appropriate medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and medical history to determine the most effective treatment is.
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 anxiety or depression. In addition, the scales of rating and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior, which means that women's symptoms can be incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and help them regain their self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them into old age.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health therapies is the best way for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals for her to succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and change negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to network with women who have a similar condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet social norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but could prevent women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to consult an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this disorder, and assist women and girls learn more about its consequences.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years which puts them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it hard to make their loved ones understand them or support them.
The most common treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to manage moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a physician to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD may benefit from self-help strategies such as 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 ease their symptoms.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who has experience with the disorder, as they can help with a range of symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, trouble in maintaining relationships, and issues at school or at work. They can also teach coping methods like 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, but that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.