ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can cause women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and in school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD often have symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being a woman, such as the demands of society and family roles.
These issues can make it difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be present for at least six month to be considered ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance they might claim that they are not stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more visible in boys and men. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression. adhd in women signs can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
Another reason that women with ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a bias against the disorder in the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews which tend to favor male behaviour and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD experience internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to diagnose because it's more internal -like being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by prominent women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman increasing numbers of women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity towards rejection - an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived - than women who do not suffer from ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships, an absence of support, and a lack of ability for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to their ability to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers to an array of beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. It can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings. They may have trouble staying focused at home or in their relationships. They might have homes that are cluttered and forget their appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, especially when they are faced with rejection or failure.
It is also possible that symptoms change at different stages of life. They may be more severe when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase irritation. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitive to rejection. They might be more at chance of being pressured into sexual activity, and of having pregnancies that are not planned because they are unable to insist that their partners make use of contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, can be helpful too. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your medical history when deciding on the best treatment plan. You may also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and letting them know about any changes you observe. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family members and friends members, because they may be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a significant step in building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulties managing their household, maintaining healthy relationships, or performing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors or be victims of partner abuse.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated with medication. The stimulant medications, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine the best course of action.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other illnesses like depression and anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Many women find it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can offer an external explanation for their difficulties and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and learn life skills that can benefit them well into their old age.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health treatments is the most effective way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals for her to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to set and maintain personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms do not look the same as those of males. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet the norms of society. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking an diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies It is important to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its effects on girls and women.
Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to become sexually active at a younger age, which could put the risk of unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which may improve focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could help ease their symptoms at work or school.
It's important for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a professional and therapist with experience with the disorder, as they can assist with a range of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties finding or maintaining relationships, and difficulties at work or in school. They can also teach coping skills such as relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.