ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD face different social expectations than males, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. adhd symptoms in adult women must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of symptoms.
Treatment, lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details, and working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, such as the demands of society and family roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six month to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance they might claim that they're not stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more visible in boys and men. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
Another reason why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing which are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women suffering from 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. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking assessments and getting much-needed assistance.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, either real or perceived - than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships, the lack of support and a reluctance to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and due to gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of practices and beliefs that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat women and girls with ADHD. This can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that cause confusion in diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD might have difficulty focusing in meetings at work or during college lectures. They may also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes and forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.
Symptoms can also vary at different times of life. attention deficit in women may worsen in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more irritability. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine can help too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your medication history when choosing an appropriate treatment plan. You might also need counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can aid your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes you notice. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, because they may be able to detect things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. The symptoms can also cause feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since societal expectations often expect women to be caretakers. Because of their impulsivity and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from their partners.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines help regulate brain activity and control the symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the most effective course of action.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they aren't diagnosed as such because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them with other disorders like anxiety or depression. The rating scales for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for the struggles they face and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and develop life skills that will help them throughout their age.
For many women, the most beneficial method of learning to deal with their ADHD is through a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and establish realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative thoughts and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet women who are also affected by the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a lengthy period, as their symptoms don't look the same as in boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to seek out an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition as well as help women and girls learn more about its effects.
Females with ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain close relationships. This is exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at a young age and are at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it difficult for their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a doctor to ensure that they are effective throughout the course of a woman's life.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations that can help ease their symptoms at school or at work.
It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms such as emotional distress, low self-esteem and difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, including relaxation and breathing techniques to help ease symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.