ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are governed by certain social norms compared to men. adhd in women treatment can lead women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should consider gender constructs hormone fluctuations, symptom severity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have issues such as keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women have to meet in their families and social roles.
Women with ADHD might have a difficult in getting diagnosed and treated because of these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and be present for at least six months in order to be considered as ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons that women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They might resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For example, they might pretend that they are not stressed or overstate symptoms that are more visible in men and boys. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, like anxiety or depression, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type of ADHD can be difficult to recognize because it's more internal- such as daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessment and seeking out the needed assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity towards rejection which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived - than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships with others as well as the lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to disguise their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers a set of practices and beliefs that can negatively impact how doctors diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. This could be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that lead to confusion in diagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate on business meetings or college lectures. They may also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They might have messy homes or forget appointments, and fail to pay bills on time. They might be easily distracted during social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also alter at different times of life. For instance, they could worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the transition to menopausal, when hormone changes can increase irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD might also have issues in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pressured into sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy if they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
A clear diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will consider any other health conditions and medication history you may have. You may also need to make lifestyle changes and seek counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you observe. You can discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, because they may be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a significant way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and take care of household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are often expected to be caregivers. In addition, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more prone for engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors or becoming victims of intimate partner violence than their peers who do not suffer from the disorder.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines assist in controlling brain activity and control the symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A doctor will examine the woman's needs, symptoms and medical history to determine the best course of action.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed because of the way they hide their symptoms or disguise them with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can provide a external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and acquire life skills that will benefit them into old age.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the most effective way for women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the ability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Some women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet other women who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed since their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may conceal their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to social norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but they could prevent 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 diagnose and treat this disorder, and help girls and women better understand its consequences.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it difficult to make their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among 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 certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are used to regulate moods and emotions. A doctor can modify the dosage of these medications to ensure they work throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help techniques, including regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations for school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who is experienced with the condition, as they can assist with a range of symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, difficulty in maintaining relationships, and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping techniques, such as breathing techniques 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 sense of self, which can be given at birth or determined by a person's behavior and appearance.