ADHD in women and adhd and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD have different social expectations than men, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender stereotypes, hormone changes and the severity of symptoms.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may have issues such as staying organized, forgetting details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also experience 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.
These challenges can make it harder for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because they don't fit the requirements. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at least six months to be eligible for a diagnosis. It is also important to recognize that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms as a result, which is one of the primary reasons they aren't diagnosed. They may resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. In addition they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, including anxiety or depression, which could be ignored as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession may also be a reason for why women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose, because they may have trouble working or focusing on their tasks, or even thinking about things. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking tests and getting much-needed help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable reaction to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships with others, the lack of support and a reluctance to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to disguise their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of rating scales which are biased toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD often have difficulty with focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They may have trouble staying on track at home or in their personal relationships. They may have messy homes and forget their appointments, or are unable to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted during social interactions and have difficulty managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also be different throughout the course of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the transition to menopause as hormonal changes can trigger irritability as well as mood fluctuations. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulties in their romantic relationships because of impulsivity and poor planning, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to 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 on their partners using contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be beneficial. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you have and your medical history when deciding on the best treatment plan. You might also require counseling and lifestyle changes. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes you notice in yourself. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any problems you're experiencing because they might be able to spot something you did not notice. A diagnosis can be a significant way to build self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women with untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and handle household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are often expected to be caregivers. 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 dangerous sexual behaviors or be victims of partner abuse.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate a woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
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. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior symptoms, so some female symptoms are incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Many women consider it to be a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide an external explanation for the difficulties they confront and restore their self-worth. Also knowing that they can reduce their symptoms and build life abilities that will last for a long time can boost confidence in women.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health therapies is the best way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women build coping strategies and establish realistic goals to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which increases awareness and the capacity to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to network with other women who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not like those of males. They can disguise their ADHD symptoms by implementing ways of coping that allow them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These strategies of coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's important, in addition to self-help methods, to seek medical attention from a doctor that specializes in treating ADHD for females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition and assist women and girls better understand its effects.
Females suffering from ADHD often develop depression and anxiety and may struggle to maintain close relationships. These issues are complicated by their propensity to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, which can put them at risk of having unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to mood swings that makes it difficult for their loved ones accept them or to support them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can improve focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to manage moods and emotions. They can be adjusted by a doctor to ensure that they are effective throughout a woman's life.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from self-help techniques like regular exercise, keeping an ongoing schedule, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that could help them manage their symptoms.
It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other issues such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties making or maintaining relationships. 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 hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also acknowledged the gender is an internal concept of self that can be assigned at birth or determined by a person's behavior and appearance.