ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to certain social norms compared to men. These expectations can lead women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes as well as hormonal fluctuations and symptom severity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve your relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty organizing their lives, forgetting important details, and working in noisy or crowded areas. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that come with being female, for example, societal demands and family roles.
These issues can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. 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 important to understand that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms, like trying to pretend they aren't stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easier to see in males and boys. Additionally, they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. These can be ignored as an ADHD symptom.
Another reason that women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a bias against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviews which are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type is more difficult to recognize because it's more internalfor example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influencers and high-profile women such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessment and seeking help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can cause problems in interpersonal relationships and a lack of support and a reluctance to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This may be because of their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls suffering from ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized emotions that cause incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may have trouble focusing during business meetings or college lectures. They may be unable to stay on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted by social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. They can become more severe when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the period leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause increased irritation. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They may be more likely to be pressured into sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy if they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. Treatment, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could also be helpful. When choosing a treatment your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You might also require counseling and lifestyle changes. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your physician updated on any changes you notice in yourself. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any issues you are having, as they may be able to spot something you missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or shame, especially since 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 conduct or become victims of partner abuse.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate and amphetamines assist in controlling brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications aren't effective or appropriate, healthcare providers can prescribe nonstimulant drugs like atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's needs, symptoms and medical history to determine the most effective option for her.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men, they are consistently under-diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or mask them with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, rating scales and interview techniques for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior, which means that women's symptoms can be incorrectly identified or misinterpreted.
Many women consider it to be a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a rationale for the struggles they face and help them regain their self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and learn life skills that can benefit them well into their old age.
For adhd in older women , the most beneficial method of learning to deal with their ADHD is through the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can assist women in developing coping strategies and set achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative behavior and thoughts as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve mindfulness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Women may benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to meet women who are also affected by the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms do not look like those of males. They may hide their ADHD traits by developing coping mechanisms that allow them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but can prevent women from seeking an diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help strategies to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and can develop anxiety or depression. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity in their early years which puts them at risk of unwanted sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it hard for loved ones to accept them or to support them.
The most common treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants can improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. They can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout a woman's life.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help strategies, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at school or work that could help them manage their symptoms.
It is crucial that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other issues such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties finding or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping methods, such as breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, such as hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also acknowledged that gender is an internal concept of self, which can be given at birth or determined by a person's behavior and appearance.