ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subjected to certain social norms compared to men. These expectations can lead people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and social roles.
Women with ADHD may have a harder time getting diagnosed and treated because of these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed because they do not meet the criteria. Symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last for at minimum six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and this is one of the main reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, such as pretending they are not feeling stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easy to see in men and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
adult add in women against ADHD in the medical profession may also be a reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or dreaming. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influencers and high-profile women such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking tests and seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable reactivity to perceived or real rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can interfere with interpersonal relationships and lead to an absence of support networks and a failure to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability to disguise their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify girls and women with ADHD. This can be in the form of ratings scales that are biased towards male behavior, or through internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who suffer from inattention ADHD frequently have trouble staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying on track at home or in their personal relationships. They might have messy homes, forget appointments and fail to pay bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions, and may have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. They may worsen when, for instance, it is a woman’s menstrual period or in the lead-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause increased the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their romantic relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies if they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medications, including stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you have and your medication history when choosing an appropriate treatment plan. You may also need to make lifestyle changes and receive counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you observe. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family members and friends members, as they could be able to detect things that you might miss. A diagnosis can be an effective step towards building confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
adult add in women with untreated ADHD may have trouble performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are typically 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 risky sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse from their partners.
Adults with ADHD are most commonly treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate aid in regulating brain activity and reduce symptoms. If adhd in women adults aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the best course of treatment is.
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 cover them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Many women consider it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide a external explanation for their problems and restore their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and develop life skills that will benefit them into old age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best method for many women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals for her to succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and change negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from finding an ADHD support group to meet with other people who are aware of the condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms don't look the same as those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD symptoms by implementing coping mechanisms that permit them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These coping mechanisms can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
It's important as well as self-help strategies to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and provide a better understanding of its effects on girls and women.
Females suffering from ADHD frequently experience depression and anxiety and may struggle to maintain close relationships. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which can put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Women with ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which makes it difficult to make their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve focus and attention by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are used to regulate emotions and moods. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD can benefit from self-help methods such as regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that can assist in managing their symptoms at work or school.
It's important for girls and women with ADHD to seek out a therapist and therapist with experience with the disorder, as they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties finding or maintaining relationships, and problems at work or in school. They can also teach coping strategies that include breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.