ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subjected to different expectations from society as compared to males. These expectations can lead women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being a woman, such as the demands of society and family roles.
These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms have to be present since childhood, and they must last at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It is important to be aware that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to mask their symptoms. They may use strategies to disguise their symptoms. For example they might claim that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more evident in men and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
Another reason why women suffering from ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews, and these tools tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or 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 naturelike being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on tasks. With the increased awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived, than women without ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships with others as well as a lack of support and an inability for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to cover up their symptoms or gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of practices and beliefs that negatively influence how clinicians diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. adhd symptoms for women could take the form of ratings scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or through internalized feelings that lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Girls and women who suffer from inattention ADHD often have difficulty with staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings. They might have difficulty staying on task at home or in their personal relationships. They might have messy homes or forget appointments, and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment.
It is also possible that symptoms alter at different times of life. They may be more severe in the course of menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be more at risk of being pushed into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be helpful. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your medical history when deciding on the best treatment plan. You may also need to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you notice. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family and friends members, as they might be able to identify things that you're not aware of. 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 face difficulties managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are often expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse by their partners.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine the best method of treatment.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However, they are under-diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and cover them with other disorders like depression or anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and help them regain their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and learn life skills that will benefit them into old age.
For many women, the most beneficial way to learn how to cope with their ADHD is to use the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can help a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and modify negative thoughts and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to establish and respect personal boundaries. Some women may benefit by joining an ADHD support group to connect with other women who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed for long periods of time, as their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by implementing ways of coping that permit them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help techniques to seek out the help of a medical professional that specializes in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition and assist women and girls better understand its consequences.
Females who suffer from ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain relationships. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to be sexually active at a younger age, which could put them at risk for unwanted sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings, which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand them or support them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from 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 accommodations for school or work that can ease their symptoms.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who has experience with the condition, since they can help with a myriad of symptoms, including emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulty in maintaining relationships, and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques that include breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.