ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD have different social expectations than men, and these expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal 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 may have issues such as organizing their lives, forgetting important details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded settings. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being female, for example, the demands of society and family roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher to be diagnosed and treated due to these difficulties. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
One of the biggest reasons why women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, like pretending they are not feeling stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easier to spot in both males and boys. adhd in women signs are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like depression or anxiety, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing that are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD experience internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose as they may have difficulty focusing on tasks or daydreaming. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessments and getting much-needed assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a greater tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, either real or perceived - than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships with others, an absence of support, and an inability for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to disguise their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. It can take the form of scales for rating that are biased towards male behavior, or by internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing during business meetings or college lectures, and may also struggle to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and not pay their bills on time. adhd in women checklist might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when facing rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also be different in different seasons of life. They can become more severe, for example, during menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more irritation. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social rejection sensitivity. They may be more likely to be pushed to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will consider any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can help your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes you observe. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing as they might be able to identify something you didn't notice. A diagnosis can be an effective step towards building confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or guilt, particularly since women are often expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their insanity, women and girls with untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in dangerous sexual behaviors or becoming victims of intimate partner violence than those who do not suffer from the disorder.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate assist in controlling brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable or effective medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. A doctor will examine a woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the most effective option for her.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or mask them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, women's symptoms can be not recognized or understood.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a external explanation for their difficulties and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Additionally knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life skills that will help them well into old age can boost a woman's confidence.
For many women, the best method to cope with their ADHD is to use the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can assist women in developing coping strategies and achieve realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the capability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms are not like the boys. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by implementing ways of coping that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help techniques, to seek the help of a medical professional that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, and assist women and girls better understand its effects.
Females with ADHD frequently experience depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain relationships. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years which puts them at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it hard to make their loved ones accept them or to support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can help improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages 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. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a healthcare provider to ensure maximum effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help methods, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for work or school that can alleviate their symptoms.
It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms, such as depression, emotional stress as well as low self-esteem and difficulty in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.