ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD face different social expectations than males, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle changes and therapy can improve the quality of relationships and performance at work and at school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have issues such as keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded settings. add in adult women may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women face in their families and societal roles.
These challenges can make it more difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people with ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't fit the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and last at least six month to qualify as ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can cause similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms, which is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They may resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to see in men and boys. They are also more likely to be suffering from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, like anxiety or depression. These can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
Another reason that women with ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews and these tools are biased toward male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose, as they may have difficulty focus on work or dreaming. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by high-profile women and influencers like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessments and getting much-needed help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can lead to problems in interpersonal relationships, an absence of support, and a lack of ability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that adversely affect how doctors identify women and girls with ADHD. This could take the form of ratings scales which are biased toward male behavior, or by internalized emotions that can lead to misdiagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate on business meetings or college classes, and could also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have homes that are cluttered or forget appointments, and fail to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted during social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different throughout the course of life. They may worsen in the course of the menstrual cycle of women or during the time leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause increased irritability. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They might be more at risk of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having pregnancies that are not planned because they have difficulty insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine could also be beneficial. When choosing a treatment your doctor will consider any other health conditions and the history of medications you've had. You may also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes you notice in yourself. You can also talk to your family and friends about any issues you're experiencing because they might be able spot something that you missed. A diagnosis can boost your self-esteem and help you feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of self-esteem issues or shame, especially since women are frequently expected to be caregivers. Due to their impulsivity and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in risky sexual conduct or become victims of abuse from their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated by medication. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications aren't effective or appropriate, healthcare providers can prescribe nonstimulant medication, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, requirements and history to determine what the best treatment plan is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However, they are under-diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and cover them with other conditions like anxiety or depression. The rating scales for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can offer an external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Additionally, knowing that they can manage their health and develop abilities that will last for a long time can boost confidence in women.
For many women, the most effective way to learn how to deal with their ADHD is through a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can help women develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals for her to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the capability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a long time because their symptoms don't appear the same as in boys. They may hide their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to conform to the norms of society. These strategies of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they could stop women from seeking treatment.
It's important as well as self-help techniques, to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who specializes in treating ADHD for females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition, and provide a better understanding of its effects on girls and women.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at a younger age, which can put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Women with ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which makes it difficult for their loved ones accept them or to support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can increase concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they're effective throughout the life of a woman.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, maintaining an agenda for the day, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations that could help ease their symptoms at work or school.
It is important that girls and women suffering from ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms, such as anxiety, low self-esteem and difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies that include relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.