ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subjected to a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can cause people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment should take into consideration gender-based stereotypes hormone fluctuations, the severity of the symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD often experience symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with 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 have been misdiagnosed, because they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six month to be considered as ADHD. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms as a result, which is one of the primary reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to cover up their symptoms, like pretending they are not feeling overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to see in men and boys. Additionally they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, such as anxiety or depression, which can be dismissed as an ADHD symptoms.
iampsychiatry against ADHD in the medical profession could also be the reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased toward male behavior and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive type, and this type is more difficult to identify because it's more internal -- such as being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable reaction to real or perceived rejection more than women with ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships and an absence of support, and a reluctance to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. This could be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may struggle to concentrate during business meetings or college lectures, and may also struggle to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They might have homes that are cluttered or forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different at different times of life. For instance, they could get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopausal as hormonal changes can trigger irritability as well as mood swings. Women with ADHD might also have issues in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitivities to rejection. They are more likely to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will take into consideration any other health issues and the history of medications you've had. You may also have to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can assist your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and informing them about any changes that you observe. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you're having, as they may be able spot something that you didn't notice. A diagnosis can be an effective step towards building confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are typically expected to be caregivers. In addition, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls with untreated ADHD are more prone for engaging in dangerous sexual actions or being victims of intimate partner violence than those who don't suffer from the disorder.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best option for her.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other disorders such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior patterns, and as a result, women's symptoms can be not recognized or understood.
Many women find it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide a reason external for the struggles they face and help them regain their self-worth. Also, knowing that they can reduce their health and develop abilities that will last throughout their lives can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the best way for women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and achieve realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her to identify and overcome negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can increase awareness and the capacity to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could 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 long time since their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They may cover up their ADHD traits using coping mechanisms to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These strategies for coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they could prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to seek out an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and provide a better understanding of its effects on women and girls.
Females with ADHD often develop anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain close relationships. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years, putting them 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 loved ones to understand or help them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they're effective throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help methods, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations for school or work that can help them manage their symptoms.
It is essential that girls and women with ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as depression, emotional stress, low self-esteem and difficulties making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques that include breathing and relaxation techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender is an internal concept of self that can be established at birth or by a person's behavior and appearance.