ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD might exhibit different symptoms. The symptoms of inattention, forgetfulness, and difficulty interpreting social cues can make it hard to make friends or maintain relationships.
Unfortunately, these differences and the bias in referral to treatment contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in young women.
Symptoms
Adhd is characterized by the inability to plan as well as a tendency to forget appointments and bills, and difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women can also have difficulty maintaining relationships, show impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors, including sexual activity, or be susceptible to emotional turbulence. They may be misunderstood by their peers and may suffer from anxiety or depression that co-occur with ADHD which makes it more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
Some women and girls do not show obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle school or in elementary school, and then they compensate when they enter high school, when academic and social expectations increase. This is why they do not seek help until they are struggling to cope in college or at work.
Research shows that girls and women are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed for ADHD as compared to boys and men. The gender bias, which is usually not intentional, may contribute to this gap. Women and girls are less likely than men to be referred to a doctor for ADHD or similar disorders, either because they conceal symptoms as mentioned above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
Women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD due to their propensity to display mood-related or emotional symptoms, like anger, rage and depression. They are more likely to be diagnosed for mood disorders or anxiety and receive unsuitable treatment, which may exacerbate their issues by hiding the root cause.
Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD which is more prevalent for women and girls - are a lack of focus, missing deadlines, or making mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or the things that happen around you. You also lose track of time while working on tasks. It is difficult to relax and you are unable to sit still. It is difficult to keep your room or desk in order and you're easily overwhelmed in stores or restaurants. You are more likely to forget important dates or events, like the birthday of your friend.
Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD - which is more prevalent in boys and men - can interfere with relationships, schoolwork and job performance. You are always on the move, you interrupt others and are unable to listen to what they're saying. You have trouble being still and you may fidget or do something out of a sense of compulsion like squirming in your seat or pulling at your hair. You're not able to manage your emotions and may make snide, embarrassing or off-color comments.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for women and girls with ADHD. A proper diagnosis will enable you to understand why certain aspects of your life are difficult, and allow you to find the help and resources to assist you in feeling more in control. Additionally, a diagnosis could be a lightbulb moment: many women and girls find their diagnosis to be a relief, giving them an external explanation for challenges that they've struggled to comprehend or blamed to sexist bias or miscommunication. Or, they blame their internalized gender stereotypes.
A doctor can test for ADHD by analyzing your symptoms and past tests, using a symptom list or questionnaire to determine the severity of the symptoms. They'll also ask questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications to help improve your performance. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Or, they may suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The medications that treat ADHD include stimulants that increase your alertness and focus, or nonstimulants that aid in staying focused without affecting your heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD in girls and women is typically diagnosed later than in boys and men. It is possible that sexist beliefs, a lack of access to healthcare and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
The symptoms can be different across the years and can become more severe before, during, and after hormonal changes. This can cause problems with the diagnosis process and treatment options for girls and women with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity and inattention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings in relationships with romantic partners, friends or colleagues, and make it difficult for them to keep up with work or social obligations. They may also be struggling to finish tasks like paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing housework. This could cause them to be unhappy with their lives, and can exacerbate emotional issues like anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are likely the result of neurological, genetic and environmental influences. Gender is the status that a person gets at birth based on chromosomes, anatomy, and other factors. This includes people who identify themselves as women or men, or even non-binary.
inattentive add in women and girls are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Getting an early diagnosis will help people better understand their symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD in young and female girls is to employ a multimodal approach that includes medication, therapy counseling, work and home accommodations, as well as lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD typically have more emotional issues and have a harder time navigating relationships than boys. They may be misunderstood, either by their partners or other people. This can cause anger and a feeling of unfairness. They are also at a higher risk of depression and anxiety that are co-occurring.
In most cases, they have greater difficulties obtaining or keeping an employment because of their lack of organization, poor time management and difficulties in executive functions. Social difficulties and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or build meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can lead them to look for unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol and drug use.
The most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Non-stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) as well as viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) and Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. This is a kind of therapy that focuses on changing the way that a person thinks and acts. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way someone interprets and responds to situations. It may also include changes in lifestyle, like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking nutritional supplements. However, it is crucial to remember that removing foods or supplementing with supplements should only be done under the supervision of a health professional.
People suffering from ADHD should have a strong support system, which may include family, friends or colleagues as well as mentors. It is recommended that they join in community or support groups, as they can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD and share tips on how to deal with it effectively.
Resources
Girls who suffer from ADHD have a hard time creating and maintaining friendships. They may also experience low self-esteem, depression or anxiety. They are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behavior that could put them and others at risk. These behaviors include not taking safety precautions, drinking alcohol or taking drugs or engaging in risky sexual activities.
A health professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and create an effective treatment plan efficient. This includes the patient's medical and mental history as well as their current state of mind. The provider will also examine the person's surroundings to determine whether it's a contributing factor.
There are a variety of sources for people with ADHD which include support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are books that can help you manage the condition and help you achieve success in life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges girls who suffer from ADHD have to face. Stephanie Sarkis's PhD book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to boost focus, motivation and performance without or with medication" offers a variety of alternatives to treatment.
People suffering from ADHD will find plenty of help and understanding by connecting with others who have the same diagnosis. ADDitude magazine’s forum and ADDitude’s parenting group are just two of the many websites and social media platforms that offer support to people with ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organizational and executive functions.
Many people with ADHD benefit from working with a counselor or coach to develop new strategies for managing their behavior and to achieve their goals in their lives. They can also seek help from a therapist who specializes in treating people with ADHD or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. There are apps, like the popular Wunderlist and other software, to track their daily activities. There are numerous websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It connects people who have the same task to work together remotely.