ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subjected to different expectations from society compared to men. These expectations can cause women and girls with ADHD to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender stereotypes, hormone fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, and self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD often have symptoms like problems staying organized, difficulty remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or busy environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being female, such as social norms and family obligations.
Women who suffer from ADHD may have a harder to be diagnosed and treated due to these issues. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last for at least six months to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important to understand that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance they may pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more visible for both genders. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as depression or anxiety, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
Another reason that women suffering from ADHD are not being diagnosed is due to a prejudice against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviewing, which tend to favor male behaviour and symptoms. Many women suffering 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. this type can be harder to recognize due to its more internal naturelike daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can cause problems with relationships with others and result in the absence of support networks and an inability to seek assistance.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of beliefs and practices that can negatively impact how doctors identify and treat girls and women with ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD may have trouble focusing in meetings at work or during college classes, and could also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes and forget their appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They might get easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change in different seasons of life. They may be more severe in the course of a woman’s menstrual period or in the lead-up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships due to of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They might be at risk of being pushed into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancy due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners take contraceptives.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate, can reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When choosing signs of adhd in women will consider any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You may also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes you observe in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your friends and family members, because they may be able to detect things you may have missed. A diagnosis can aid in building self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may have trouble performing 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 often expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior or become victims of abuse from their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medications. Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate assist in controlling brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications are not suitable or effective healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications 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 conditions such as depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Many women find it an important time to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a reason external for the difficulties they confront and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and develop life skills that will help them well into their old age.
For many women, the most effective method of learning to cope with their ADHD is to use the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health therapies. Therapy can assist a woman develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals that she can succeed in every aspect of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the capability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from joining an ADHD support group to meet with other people who understand the condition.
adhd symptoms women -help
Women with ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a long time, as their symptoms don't look like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet the norms of society. These coping strategies are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies, it's important to consult an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, and help girls and women to better understand the consequences.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop anxiety or depression. These issues are complicated by their tendency to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which can put them at risk for unwanted sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or support them.
The most popular treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate emotions and moods. They can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure maximum effectiveness throughout the course of a woman's life.
Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at work or school that can help them manage their symptoms.
It is essential for girls and women suffering from ADHD to find a clinician and therapist who is experienced with the condition, since they can assist with a range of symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, trouble in maintaining relationships, and problems at work or in school. They can also teach coping methods like breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to ease symptoms and enhance quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.