ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD have a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can cause shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD often experience symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and social roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated due to these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last at least six months to be considered a valid diagnosis. It is also important to recognize that other illnesses and conditions may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
Women with ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms and this is one of the primary reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, like pretending they are not feeling stressed or coping with symptoms that are easier to see in males and females. Additionally they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety. These could be overlooked as an ADHD sign.
Another reason why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a bias against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews, which are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or thinking about things. However, treatment for adhd in women to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influencers and high-profile women, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessments and seeking out the needed assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable reactivity to real or perceived rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and can lead to an absence of support networks and an inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability hide their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. This can be in the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that can lead to confusion about the diagnosis. Women and girls who experience inattention ADHD typically have difficulty attending to college lectures or business meetings, and they may have trouble staying focused at home or in their relationships. They might have homes that are cluttered and forget their appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted by social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
Symptoms may also change during different stages of life. For instance, they could worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or in the run-up to menopause, when hormone changes can trigger irritability as well as mood swings. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships 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 at chance of being pressured into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancy due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be beneficial. When choosing a treatment your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also be required to change your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor updated on any changes you notice in yourself. You can also speak to your family and friends about any issues you are having, as they may be able to spot something you did not notice. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who aren't treated may have difficulties managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as the norms of society often require women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated with medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications are not efficient or appropriate medical professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine the most effective option for her.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Many women find it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for their struggles and restore their sense of self-worth. Also knowing that they can manage their health and develop abilities that will last throughout their lives can boost confidence of women.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the best method for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative attitudes and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a lengthy period because their symptoms don't look like boys. They can disguise their ADHD traits by developing coping mechanisms that allow them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These strategies of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help methods to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD for 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 are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. This can be exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age and are at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women suffering from ADHD and can make it difficult for their loved ones to understand or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages 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 physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the course of a woman's life.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could aid in easing their symptoms at work or school.
It is crucial for girls and women with ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who has experience with the condition, since they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, difficulty finding or maintaining relationships, and difficulties at work or in school. They can also teach coping strategies, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.