ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subject to a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can cause people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have issues such as organizing their lives, forgetting important details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, such as societal demands and family roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated because of these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't fit the criteria. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they should last for at minimum six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons that women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, for example, pretending they are not feeling stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to see in men and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession may also be a reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased toward male behaviors and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize because it's more internal- such as daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessment and getting much-needed assistance.
Women with ADHD have a greater tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived - than women who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships with others, a lack of support and a lack of ability to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their ability conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may struggle to concentrate on business meetings or college lectures. They may also have difficulty staying focused in their personal relationships or at home. They might have homes that are cluttered or forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when faced with rejection or disappointment.
It is also possible that symptoms change during different stages of life. They may be more severe, for example, during a woman’s menstrual period or in the lead-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more the irritability. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be at a higher risk of being pushed to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can be beneficial as well. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you have and your medication history when choosing a treatment plan. You may also be required to alter your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you notice. You can also speak to your family and friends about any issues you're having, as they may be able to identify something you didn't notice. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulty managing their home and maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. Symptoms can also lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as the norms of society often require women to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse by their partners.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine or guanfacine. adhd in adult women treatment will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and medical history to determine the best treatment plan is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men, they are consistently under-diagnosed due to the ways they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other disorders such as anxiety and depression. The scales used to rate ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Many women find it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a external explanation for their struggles and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and develop life skills that will help them throughout their age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the best method for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist 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 help her learn to identify and alter negative attitudes and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to set and maintain personal boundaries. Women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to connect with women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms do not look the same as the boys. They may cover up their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help strategies to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD for females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and help you understand its effects on women and girls.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop anxiety or depression. These issues can be further complicated by their propensity to be sexually active at an earlier age, which puts them at risk of having unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure that they work throughout the life of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help methods such as regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It's important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who is experienced with the condition, since they can help with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties making or maintaining relationships and difficulties at work or in school. They can also teach coping techniques, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including chromosomes and hormones, but the gender is an internal concept of self that can be assigned at birth or determined by the person's behavior and appearance.