ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subject to a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into consideration gender stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD often experience symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties 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 compounded by the expectations that are associated with being female, such as social norms and family obligations.
These challenges can make it harder for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed as they don't meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood, and they must last for at minimum six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis. It's also important to understand that other illnesses and conditions may cause similar symptoms to ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use strategies to disguise their symptoms. For instance they might claim that they don't feel stressed or overstate symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. Moreover they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety, which can be overlooked as an ADHD sign.
Another reason women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating 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 evaluate their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type is more difficult to recognize due to its more internal naturelike daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on their tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop sensitivity to rejection which is an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived - than women who do not suffer from ADHD. This can cause problems in relationships with others and a lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This may be because of their ability to disguise their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect how clinicians identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This could be in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that can 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 have difficulty staying on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have homes that are cluttered and forget their appointments, or fail to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different at different times of life. For example, they may get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or in the run-up to menopausal which can increase irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their romantic relationships due to impulsivity and poor preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due social sensitivities to rejection. They might be more at risk of being pushed to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancies due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will take into account any other health issues you suffer from as well as your history of medication when deciding the best treatment plan. You may also have to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes you observe in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you are having, as they may be able spot something that you didn't notice. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their household, maintaining healthy relationships, or doing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior or become victims of partner abuse.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medications. Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms. If adhd in women symptoms I Am Psychiatry or appropriate, doctors can prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective option for her.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However they aren't diagnosed as such because they tend to hide their symptoms and conceal them with other conditions like anxiety or depression. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior patterns, and as a result, certain female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Many women find it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can offer an external explanation for their problems and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing they can improve symptoms and develop life skills that will benefit them throughout their age.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health therapies is the best way for women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which can increase awareness and the capacity of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to network with women who are also affected by the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms don't look like the boys. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by implementing ways of coping that enable them to appear "normal" and conform to social norms. These coping strategies are both healthy and unhealthy, but they may hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is essential to consult an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and provide a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be further complicated by their tendency to become sexually active at a younger age, which puts them at risk of having unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Women with ADHD are also prone to mood swings that can make it hard for loved ones to understand them or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which may improve attention and focus. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure they are effective throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help methods, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that could help ease their symptoms at school or at work.
It is crucial that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as emotional distress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping methods, such as breathing and relaxation techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex is a reference to biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender is an internal concept of self that can be assigned at birth or determined by a person's behaviour and appearance.