ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to different social expectations than men, and these expectations can cause shame and self-blame. undiagnosed adhd in women must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and in school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be made worse by the expectations women have to meet like family and societal roles.
These challenges can make it more difficult for women suffering from ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't meet the requirements. The symptoms have to be present since childhood and they should last for at minimum six months in order to qualify for a diagnosis. It is also important to recognize that other illnesses and conditions can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD, including stress and certain medications.
One of the biggest reasons women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For example, they might pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more apparent in boys and men. In addition, they are more likely to have a mental health issue that affects their mood and emotions, like depression or anxiety. These can be dismissed as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could be another reason for why women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing, which tend to favor male behaviour and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Certain women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type can be harder to identify because it's more internal -for example, daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano increasing numbers of women are seeking assessment and seeking help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop sensitivity to rejection which is an intense and often uncontrollable response to rejection, whether real or perceived - than those who do not have ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and can lead to an absence of support networks and a failure to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD throughout their adulthood. This could be due to their ability cover up their symptoms or gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of beliefs and practices that can negatively impact how doctors diagnose and treat girls and women with ADHD. This could take the form of scales for rating which are biased toward male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that lead to misdiagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing during business meetings or college classes, and could also have difficulty staying on track in their private relationships or at home. They may have messy homes, forget their appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. For example, they may be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or in the run-up to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can increase irritability and mood swings. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to of impulsivity and poor planning, or they might struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They may be more likely to be pressured to engage in sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medication, for example, stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine can help too. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your medication history when choosing a treatment plan. You might also need counseling or lifestyle changes. You can help your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes you notice. You can also speak to your family and friends about any issues you are having, as they may be able spot something that you did not notice. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who are not treated may have difficulties managing their home or maintaining healthy relationships or being productive at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of low self-esteem and shame, particularly since the norms of society often require women to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity, and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior or become victims of partner abuse.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, assist in controlling brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications aren't appropriate, doctors can prescribe nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, requirements and medical history to determine the most effective treatment is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the interview techniques are heavily influenced by male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Many women consider it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide an external explanation for the challenges they face and boost their self-esteem. Additionally knowing that they can improve their symptoms and build life abilities that will last well into old age can boost a woman's confidence.
For many women, the most effective method to cope with their ADHD is through a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can help a woman build coping strategies and establish realistic goals for her to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists her to identify and overcome negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from finding an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms are not the same as those of males. They may hide their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to the norms of society. These coping strategies can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies It is essential to consult an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition and provide a better understanding of its effects on women and girls.
Females who suffer from ADHD often develop anxiety and depression and may struggle to maintain relationships with their loved ones. These issues can be further complicated by their propensity to be sexually active at a younger age, which can put them at risk for unwanted sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a range of self-help techniques, including 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 can help them manage their symptoms.
It is important that girls and women with ADHD find a doctor 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 techniques that include breathing and relaxation techniques to ease symptoms and improve their 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 behavior and appearance.