ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD typically have different symptoms than boys. Signs of ADHD include inattention, forgetfulness and difficulty in understanding social signals may make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends.
Unfortunately, these differences and the bias in referral to treatment result in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in young women.
Signs and symptoms
Adhd is characterised by the inability to plan in which people forget appointments and bills, and difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women may have difficulty maintaining relationships, show impulsivity, which can lead to risk-taking behavior which includes sexual activity or be susceptible to emotional instability. They may be misunderstood by their peers and suffer from depression or anxiety disorders that co-occur with ADHD making it more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
Some girls and women don't display obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in elementary school or middle school, and then they compensate as they enter high school, when academic and social expectations increase. As a result, they do not seek help until they are struggling to cope in college or at work.
Research shows that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed and not recognized for ADHD in comparison to boys and men. The gender bias, which is typically unintentional, can contribute to this disparity. Women and girls are less likely than men to be recommended to a doctor for ADHD, either because they camouflage symptoms as described above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
Women and girls are less likely to receive referrals for ADHD because of their tendency to exhibit emotional or mood-related symptoms, such as anger, rage, and irritability. They are more likely than men to be taken to a psychiatrist for mood disorders or anxiety, and receive inappropriate treatment that could exacerbate their problems.
adhd women uk of the inattentive type of ADHD - which is more prevalent for women and girls - include trouble staying focused in the midst of deadlines, or making careless mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted by thoughts or other things happening around you and you can easily lose track of time while doing your work. You struggle to stay focused and find it hard to relax. It is difficult to keep your room or desk in order, and you are easily overwhelmed in restaurants or stores. You are prone to forgetting important dates or events such as your friend's birthday.
Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD - which is more prevalent in boys and men - can interfere with relationships, schoolwork and job performance. You are always on the move you are constantly interrupting others and are unable to listen to what they are saying. You may find it difficult to sit still, fumbling around in your chair or tuck your hair. It's difficult to control your emotions, and you may make hurtful or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For women and girls suffering from ADHD, accurate diagnosis is key. A correct diagnosis can help you comprehend the issues you face and help you locate the support and resources you need to feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women find relief in their diagnosis, as it provides a reason for the difficulties they've struggled to comprehend or blamed on gender bias, poor communication, or their internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care provider can test you for ADHD by analyzing your symptoms and previous experiences tests, using the symptom list or questionnaire to assess the severity of these symptoms. They will also ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that will improve your functioning. For instance your doctor might suggest ways to organize your life, such as planners, post-it notepads, and lists, or recommend a medication that will help you focus and concentrate. The medicines used to treat ADHD could include stimulants which can increase your focus and alertness, or non-stimulants that help you stay focused without increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD is diagnosed later in women and girls than in boys. This delay is likely due to sexist beliefs as well as the lack of access to medical care and misinformation about how the disorder manifests in females.
Symptoms may vary throughout life and may worsen during, before or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity can lead to anger and miscommunications with colleagues, romantic partners or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to keep commitments to work or social obligations. They may also find it difficult to finish tasks like paying bills and finishing work or school assignments, or even doing household chores. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives, and can exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression.
The differences between men and women in ADHD are likely to be due to biological, neurological and environmental factors. Gender refers to the gender-specific status that a person gets at birth based on chromosomes, anatomy, and other variables. This includes those who identify themselves as females males, nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls do not get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until they reach adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people better know their symptoms and determine the most effective treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD in young and female girls is to employ a multimodal approach that includes medication, therapy, counseling, home and office accommodations, and lifestyle plans.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and have a difficult to navigate relationships. They can be misunderstood or criticized by their romantic partners or other people, which can lead to frustration and a feeling of unfairness. They are also at an increased risk of developing co-occurring anxiety and depression.
They are often more difficult in finding work or keeping jobs due to their inability to organize and poor time management skills, and difficulties in executive functions (planning or organizing prioritizing). They often have difficulty forming meaningful friendships or maintain relationships because of social difficulties and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more critical of themselves, which can lead them to look for unhealthy ways to cope with stress, including excessive drinking and drug use.
The most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine and viloxazine and clonidine.
Women and girls with ADHD could benefit from psychotherapy. This is a kind of therapy that focuses on changing the way that a person thinks and acts. This could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is focused on changing the way the person perceives or reacts to situations. It may also include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking nutritional supplements. However, it is vital to remember that removing foods or taking supplements should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
It is crucial for people with ADHD to have an established support system that includes family members, friends, colleagues and mentors. It is also recommended they join community or support groups since they provide an environment where they can discuss the challenges associated with living with ADHD, and share tips for managing it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls who suffer from ADHD often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They might also be suffering from low self-esteem or depression. They could be more prone to destructive, impulsive behavior which could put them or others at risk. These can include the lack of safety precautions and alcohol or drug abuse, or engagement in high risk sexual activity.
A health professional must perform a thorough evaluation to identify the root of the problem and formulate an effective treatment plan efficient. This includes the person's medical and mental background as well as their current state of mind. The physician will also examine the person's surroundings to see if they are a factor.
There are a variety of sources for people with ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books to help people manage their condition and achieve success in their daily lives. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example it addresses the particular issues girls who suffer from ADHD face. "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Increased Focus, Motivation and Performance With or without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers an array of alternative therapies for people suffering from ADHD.
People with ADHD will find plenty of support and empathy by connecting with others with the same diagnosis. ADDitude magazine's forum as well as ADDitude's parenting group are two of the numerous websites and social media platforms that provide assistance to those suffering from ADHD. Some organizations offer day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizational abilities.
Many adults with ADHD could benefit from working with a counselor or coach to master new strategies for coping and achieving their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist that specializes in the treatment of mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or ADHD. There are apps, like the popular Wunderlist and software, to monitor their daily activities. There are also a variety of websites offering virtual collaboration, for instance Focusmate which allows people to collaborate working on the same project so that they can work via remote.
