ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with 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 should take into consideration gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD often experience symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations women face like family and societal roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a harder time getting diagnosed and treated due to these difficulties. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the requirements. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at minimum six months in order to be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women with ADHD tend to hide their symptoms, which is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms, like pretending they are not feeling overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easier to spot in both men and boys. In addition they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety, which is often overlooked as an ADHD symptom.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community could also be the reason why women with ADHD aren't diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews, and these tools are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD are afflicted with an internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty focus on work or daydreaming. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking assessments and seeking out the needed assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reaction to perceived or real rejection, than women without ADHD. This can cause problems with interpersonal relationships and can lead to a lack of support networks and an inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of practices and beliefs that affect how healthcare professionals diagnose 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 can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing during business meetings or college lectures. They may be unable to stay on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have messy homes, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
Symptoms can also vary throughout the course of life. For instance, they can be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can cause increased irritability and mood swings. Women with ADHD may also have issues in their relationships due to of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They may be 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 take contraceptives.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can also be beneficial. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you have and your medical history when deciding on the best treatment plan. You may also have to make lifestyle changes and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes you notice. 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 missed. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and take care of household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are frequently expected to be caregivers. In addition, due to their insanity, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk for engaging in dangerous sexual behaviors or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners than those who do not have the disorder.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If they aren't efficient or suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze a woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective treatment is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the way they hide their symptoms or cover them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The rating scales for ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for their difficulties and restore their sense of self-worth. adhd in older women can be increased by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and acquire life skills that will benefit them well into their old age.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the best method for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing coping strategies and establish achievable goals in all areas of their lives. 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 respect personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a long time, as their symptoms don't look like boys. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
It's important, in addition to self-help techniques to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and give a better understanding of its effects on women and girls.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop depression or anxiety. This can be exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at an early age, putting them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate emotions and moods. A doctor can alter these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout the lifetime of a woman.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from self-help techniques such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is essential that women and girls with ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as depression, emotional stress, low self-esteem and difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping strategies like breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and enhance 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 perception of self that is assigned at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.