ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subjected to a different set societal expectations as compared to males. These expectations can cause people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD often experience 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 exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with like family and societal roles.
These issues can make it harder for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms have to be present since childhood, and they must last at minimum six months in order to qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to mask symptoms as a result, which is one of the primary reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't stressed or coping with symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. Moreover, they are more likely to suffer from a mental health issue that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety. These is often overlooked as an ADHD symptom.
Another reason why women with ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a bias against the disorder in the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing that tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Additionally, many women suffering from ADHD are afflicted with negative self-esteem and internalized stigma which makes them less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose, as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even daydreaming. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to perceived or real rejection, than women without ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and lead to a lack of support networks and an inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to cover up their symptoms or gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers to an array of practices and beliefs that can negatively impact how doctors identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. adhd symptoms in women can be in the form of rating scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD might have difficulty focusing on business meetings or college lectures. add symptoms in women may also struggle to stay on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have messy homes and forget appointments and fail to pay bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. For example, they may get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the lead-up to menopause which can cause increased irritability and mood swings. Women with ADHD might also have issues in their relationships with loved ones due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be at a higher chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancies because they have difficulty insisting that their partners take contraceptives.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, such as stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine can help too. When deciding on a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health issues and medications you have. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes you notice. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you're having because they might be able spot something that you missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to 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 conduct or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated with medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If they aren't efficient or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's needs, symptoms and medical history to determine the most effective option for her.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However, they are under-diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior patterns, and as a result, certain female symptoms are misinterpreted or under-identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. It can provide an external explanation for the struggles they face and help them regain their self-worth. Also, knowing that they can reduce their condition and develop life abilities that will last for a long time can boost a woman's confidence.
For many women, the most effective method to manage their ADHD is to use the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can assist a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and modify negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to set and respect personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a long time since their symptoms aren't the same as in boys. They may cover up their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These strategies for coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they may hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is important to seek treatment with an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition, and assist women and girls to better understand the consequences.
Females with ADHD frequently experience depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain relationships. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at an early age which puts them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand them or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which may improve focus and attention. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are used to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure they are effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from self-help strategies like regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at work or school that can ease their symptoms.
It is essential for girls and women with ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who has experience with the condition, as they can help with a range of 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 strategies like breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and enhance quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.