ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subject to different social expectations than men, and these expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and at school, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, for example, the demands of society and family roles.
These issues can make it harder for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last for at least six month to be considered ADHD. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women with ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They might resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For example they might claim that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. Moreover they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, such as depression or anxiety. These can be dismissed as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased toward male behaviors and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize due to its more internal nature- such as daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on their tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessment and getting much-needed help.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can affect relationships with others and result in the absence of support networks and the inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or because of gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers an array of beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. It can take the form of scales for rating that are biased towards male behavior, or through internalized feelings that lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD often have difficulty with focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They might have difficulty staying on task at home or in their personal relationships. They might have messy homes and forget appointments and aren't able 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. They can become more severe, for example, during menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause more irritation. Women with ADHD may also have issues in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They might be at risk of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception.
A clear diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be beneficial. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you suffer from as well as your history of medication when deciding a treatment plan. You might also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor updated on any changes you notice in yourself. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any problems you're having because they might be able to spot something you did not notice. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who are not treated may have difficulty managing their home, maintaining healthy relationships, or being productive at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate aid in regulating brain activity and control the symptoms. If these medications are not efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, needs and past 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 conceal them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. weblink can provide a external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Furthermore knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life skills that will serve them well into old age can boost confidence in women.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the best method for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and set realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often go undiagnosed for a lengthy period, as their symptoms don't appear like boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to the norms of society. These strategies of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they may hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help strategies to seek out the help of a medical professional who specializes in treating ADHD among females. They can diagnose and treat this condition, as well as help women and girls to better understand the effects.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. This is exacerbated 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. Women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that makes it difficult to make their loved ones understand them or support them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. They can be adjusted by a physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the course of a woman's life.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for work or school that can alleviate their symptoms.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to seek out a therapist and therapist who is experienced with the condition, as they can assist with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble making or maintaining relationships and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.