ADHD in Women Adults
Women who suffer from ADHD have many difficulties. They may struggle to manage everyday tasks, deal with relationships issues and meet social expectations. They may also have difficulty staying focused at work or not remembering appointments.
A recent study examined the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD as adults. The study found that, although the diagnosis brought relief and helped make sense of previous struggles, it could be bittersweet.
Making a diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult might seem like the most crucial step in understanding and addressing your symptoms. It can help you to identify your struggles and see that they're something you can manage as a condition, not something that makes you "weird."
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, and it is more difficult for them to identify themselves with ADHD. They may have gotten used to hiding their inattentiveness through working late or using tools like planners or smartphones to track daily tasks. Or, they may be able hide their impulsivity when they act quickly to speed up a project or make comments in conversations without thinking.
In the event of a diagnosis it is important to talk to a mental health care professional who has experience treating adults. It's also helpful to have a support network of friends and family members to assist you in navigating the process. A health medical professional or mental health professional may employ standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to evaluate the symptoms of an adult and determine if they satisfy the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. A physical exam and medical history are also commonly part of a diagnostic examination for adults. Psychological tests can be used to determine working memory, executive function (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities (related to space) as well as reasoning and reasoning skills.
If untreated, ADHD can lead to various issues for women. Some of them are related to careers problems, such as difficulty staying on track, following corporate guidelines, or meeting deadlines, and may lead to feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people who go undiagnosed for ADHD as adults regret the years they struggled and not knowing why. They may have had issues with their relationships, at work, or under financial stress. Matlen says that once people receive a diagnosis, they often have to go through some grieving and accept the reality of what happened in their past. However, she also says that once the diagnosis is made and they are able to move on with new hope for the future.
Treatment Options
The good news is that women can be given an assessment and treatment for ADHD. They can also get the support they need to manage their symptoms at work, home and school.
The most important thing is to recognize the signs, which include difficulty organizing and managing time and work and forgetfulness; difficulties in following the rules or procedures; difficulty getting along with co-workers, teachers or classmates and impulsive behavior. These issues can have severe consequences for school and work performance, as in relationships and self-esteem.
Some experts believe that the diagnosis of ADHD for women and girls is under-reported because they are more adept at hiding their symptoms than boys or men. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. These symptoms are more apparent for men and boys. This makes them more likely to be diagnosed.
Counseling or therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms in addition to behavioral strategies. These therapies can help with many symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Some types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn specific skills to change negative patterns of thinking that can cause problems in your life.
Other treatments, such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help improve brain function by helping you to calm down and focus your mind. They can also help manage mood problems and improve your energy levels. Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet can also improve your symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from asking their coworkers or teachers to accommodate their needs. They may request additional time or more specific explanations.
Medicines can also be helpful in treating ADHD. Stimulant medications are typically the first line of treatments, however non-stimulant drugs may be a possibility.
Some adults with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through lifestyle adjustments, getting the proper amount of sleep and using technology such as ADHD-assisting smartphone apps. They should also regularly visit the doctor and adhere to any medication regimen prescribed. They may also be able take part in a research study known as a clinical trial. This is a type of research study which explores new ways of treating or preventing diseases.
Support Groups
Women may feel lonely when trying to deal with the complexities of ADHD. Support groups can help. Some organizations offer forums where people can share their experiences online. While some of these groups are not moderated by a mental health professional they can offer a safe environment to share frustrations and brainstorm solutions with others. adhd in adult women test of these groups provide resources and advice on dealing with ADHD.
According to a study females who exhibit symptoms that manifest as inattentional behavior are less likely to be recognized and referred to a specialist for evaluation than males who show the same symptoms. They are more likely to not be diagnosed and also suffer from impairment. In addition that many women have mastered to hide their symptoms by relying on strategies like phone reminders and schedules for the day, to meet societal expectations. These strategies can backfire, creating more stress and anxiety.
It is important for women to locate an expert doctor who is aware of the ways in which gender and ADHD interact. A therapist with experience will assist women in identifying ways that they may be hiding their symptoms and internalizing their struggles. In this way, they can better identify areas of self-efficacy and strength.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can positively impact the way women perceive themselves. Many of the women who were interviewed in the study stated they felt relieved when they received a diagnosis. They could then accept their own struggles and feel more confident in their capabilities. Knowing that they weren't alone also helped them accept their past mistakes and make positive changes in their lives.
For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be life-altering. The symptoms can affect their relationships, careers and everyday activities. They may underestimate the amount of time it will take to finish a task or forget appointments. They might struggle to concentrate at school or at work and may have difficulty managing their finances. Many of these women have reported having a hard time staying married or maintaining relationships, while others struggle with low self-esteem and depression.
Medication
Women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty navigating the day-to-day life. They may have trouble managing their financial issues, keeping their homes tidy or maintaining a healthy relationship with their partner. The symptoms can also affect academic and work performance. If ADHD is not treated, it can negatively impact a woman’s self-esteem as well as her ability to feel confident in her personal life and career.
Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed because their symptoms are less intense or impulsive, and are more inactive. This could be due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions as well as a lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms can be different from those seen in males and males. It is also important to remember that some people, particularly girls, have co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety or other physical ailments, including sleep disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. These can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD.
Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD in adulthood is an experience of empowerment that can drastically improve the quality of a woman's life. It can also help her regain her self-worth as she will realize that the issues she is facing aren't their own fault.
The use of stimulants is usually the first choice for adults suffering from ADHD. However, for some adults, stimulants aren't always the best option. For those who cannot tolerate stimulants, there are other medications like antidepressants and atomoxetine. It is important to inform your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking because they could interfere with certain drugs.
A therapist or health care provider can teach behavioral strategies that improve organization and productivity, as well as manage symptoms. They can also work with you to deal with any emotional issues that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD find benefit from working with an individual life coach or career coach, as they can teach them skills for managing daily tasks and setting and achieving goals.
While it is true that women and adolescent girls are more often undiagnosed than male counterparts, there are now more efforts to understand and address the differences between diagnosis and treatment. This involves ensuring that all children are given a screening for ADHD, and that women and girls who suffer from the disorder are correctly diagnosed.