ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD face different social expectations than men, and these expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have issues such as staying organized, forgetting details, and working in noisy or crowded settings. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations of being female, such as societal demands and family roles.
These issues can make it difficult for women suffering from ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed because 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 qualify as ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms as a result, which is one of the main reasons why they aren't diagnosed. They may use coping mechanisms to cover up their symptoms, such as pretending that they aren't stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easier to see in males and boys. Additionally, they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, including depression or anxiety. These could be dismissed as an ADHD sign.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could also be the reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing which are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD experience internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to identify, because they may have trouble working or focusing on their tasks, or even thinking about things. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessments and seeking help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable reaction to perceived or real rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others, the lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of practices and beliefs that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat women and girls with ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay focused at home or in their personal relationships. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment.
It is also possible that symptoms change during different stages of life. They may worsen when, for instance, it is the menstrual cycle of women or in the lead-up to menopausal changes, which can cause more irritability. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due social rejection sensitivity. They might be at a higher chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having pregnancies that are not planned because they have difficulty insisting that their partners use contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could also be helpful. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your medication history when choosing the best treatment plan. You may also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes that you notice in yourself. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any problems you're having, as they may be able to identify something you missed. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Additionally, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls with untreated ADHD are more prone of engaging in sexually risky actions or being victims of intimate partner violence than those who do not have the disorder.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medication. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate aid in regulating brain activity and manage symptoms. If these drugs aren't effective or appropriate healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the most effective treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However they aren't diagnosed as such because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them with other disorders like depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Many women find it an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for their difficulties and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Additionally, knowing that they can reduce their health and develop skills that will help them for a long time can boost confidence of women.
For many women, the best method of learning to cope with their ADHD is to use a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can assist a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and modify negative thoughts and behaviors and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Moreover, some women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often left undiagnosed for long periods of time because their symptoms don't appear like boys. They may conceal their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to societal norms. These strategies for coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they could stop women from seeking treatment.
It is important in addition to self-help techniques to seek out the help of a medical professional who specializes in treating ADHD for females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, and help girls and women learn more about 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 activities at an early age which puts them at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants can help improve focus and attention by speeding up signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a physician to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout a woman's life.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from self-help methods such as regular exercise, keeping an agenda for the day, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations for work or school that can help them manage their symptoms.
adhd symptoms in women adults is essential that women and girls with ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other symptoms, such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies that include breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and enhance quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.