ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can cause them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender constructs as well as hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD often experience symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that are associated with being female, such as societal demands and family roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a tougher to be diagnosed and treated because of these challenges. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the criteria. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at least six months before they be considered a valid diagnosis. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the biggest reasons that women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They might resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they're not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident for both genders. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as anxiety or depression. These can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
Another reason women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviewing that are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD are afflicted with internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to diagnose due to its more internal nature- such as being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and getting much-needed help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense, often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived - than women who do not have ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships, an absence of support, and an inability to seek assistance.
inattentive add in women go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify girls and women with ADHD. It can take the form of ratings scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing during business meetings or college lectures, and may also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes or forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. They can become more severe when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can increase irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They may be at risk of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having pregnancies that are not planned due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, such as stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may be beneficial as well. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will consider any other health issues and the history of medications you've had. You may also have to make lifestyle changes and seek counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you notice. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing, as they may be able to spot something you missed. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulties managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and shame, particularly since societal expectations often expect women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity, and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medications. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines aid in regulating brain activity and manage symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, requirements and history to determine what the best treatment plan is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the way they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior, which means that women's symptoms can be incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for their struggles and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Additionally, knowing that they can reduce their health and develop skills that will help them throughout their lives can boost confidence of women.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the best way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and modify negative behavior and thoughts and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for long periods of time, as their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They can disguise their ADHD traits by developing strategies to cope that permit them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but can hinder women from seeking an diagnosis.
In addition to self-help methods It is essential to seek out an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, and help girls and women to better understand the effects.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop anxiety or depression. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at a younger age, which puts them at risk of having unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood fluctuations are also common among women suffering from ADHD which can make it difficult for their family members to understand or help them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate moods and emotions. They can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure maximum effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that can help ease their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping skills such as breathing techniques and relaxation to ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a reference to biology, which includes chromosomes and hormones, but that gender is an internal concept of self that is assigned at birth or determined by a person's behavior and appearance.