ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are governed by certain social norms compared to men. These expectations can cause women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should take into account gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women face, such as family and social roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher in getting diagnosed and treated because of these difficulties. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed because they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at least six months to be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women with ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more visible for both genders. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
Another reason why women suffering from ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews that are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD are afflicted with an internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type can be harder to identify due to its more internal nature- such as wandering off or not being focused on tasks. With the increased awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking help.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others and a lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or because of gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of practices and beliefs that affect how healthcare professionals determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of ratings scales which are biased toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD often have difficulty with focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they may have trouble staying on task at home or in their relationships. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different throughout the course of life. For instance, they can worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or in the run-up to menopause as hormonal changes can trigger irritability as well as mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They are more likely to be pressured into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies if they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. add symptoms in adult women can be reduced by medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could be beneficial as well. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from and your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You may also have to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and informing them about any changes that you notice. You can discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, as they could be able to identify things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and manage household chores. The symptoms can also cause feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity, and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual conduct or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate a woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the best option for her.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they aren't diagnosed as such due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and mask them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a rationale for the difficulties they confront and boost their self-esteem. Furthermore knowing that they can manage their health and develop skills that will serve them for a long time can boost a woman's confidence.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the most effective way for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals for her to succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and alter negative behavior and thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from finding an ADHD support group to connect with others who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms are not like the boys. They may cover up their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but can prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies It is essential to seek out a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition and help girls and women learn more about its effects.
Females who suffer from ADHD often develop depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain relationships with their loved ones. These issues can be complicated by their propensity to become sexually active at an earlier age, which could put them at risk of having unintentional sexual encounters 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.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve focus and attention by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help methods, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to find a professional and therapist with experience with the disorder, as they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble in maintaining relationships, and difficulties at work or in school. They can also teach coping methods that include breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.