ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subjected to certain social norms as compared to males. These expectations can cause people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment needs to account for gender constructs, hormone changes and the severity of symptoms.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD often have symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or crowded environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with, such as family and societal roles.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a tougher in getting diagnosed and treated because of 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 must last at least six months to be considered ADHD. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the main reasons that women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They might resort to coping strategies to hide their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they are not stressed or overstate symptoms that are more apparent for both genders. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression. These could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD within the medical field may also be a reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even dreaming. However, with increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking assessments and seeking out the needed assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a higher tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is an intense sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived - than those who do not suffer from ADHD. This can interfere with relationships with others and result in a lack of support networks and the inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their capacity to conceal their symptoms and gender bias. Gender bias is a set beliefs and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. This can be in the form of ratings scales which are biased toward male behavior, or due to internalized emotions that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women with inattention ADHD may struggle to concentrate during business meetings or college lectures, and may also have difficulty staying on track in their private relationships or at home. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and fail to pay bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions, and may have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. For add in women test , they can get worse during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal, when hormone changes can cause increased irritability and mood fluctuations. Women with ADHD might also have issues in their romantic relationships because of their impulsivity and inadequate preparation, or they might struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They are more likely to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies if they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
An accurate diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions and the history of medications you've had. You may also have to change your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and letting them know about any changes that you observe. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family and friends members, as they could be able to identify things that you might miss. A diagnosis can be a significant way to build confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women suffering from ADHD who aren't treated may face difficulties managing their household, maintaining healthy relationships, or doing well at work. The symptoms can also trigger feelings such as low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are often expected 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 dangerous sexual behavior or become victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are most commonly treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't effective or appropriate healthcare professionals may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the best method of treatment.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the ways they hide their symptoms or mask them with other disorders such as anxiety and depression. In adhd in women checklist , the scales of rating and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior patterns, and as a result, certain female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can offer an external explanation for their problems and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and develop life skills that will benefit them into old age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the most effective way for many women to learn to cope with ADHD. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies to cope and achieve realistic goals for all aspects of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps her identify and change negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which increases mindfulness and the ability of setting and respecting personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from joining an ADHD support group to connect with others who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not like those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD traits by developing ways of coping that allow them to appear "normal" and conform to societal norms. These strategies of coping can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In addition to self-help strategies, it's important to seek treatment with an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition, and help you understand its effects on girls and women.
Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and can develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be complicated by their propensity to engage in sexual activity at an earlier age, which could put them at risk for unwanted sexual encounters or intimate partner violence. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it difficult to make their loved ones be able to understand or help them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters and mood-regulating hormones, are utilized to regulate emotions and moods. A healthcare provider can adjust the dosage of these medications to ensure they work throughout the life of a woman.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help strategies, such as regular exercise making a daily schedule or reminders, and focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at school or work that could ease their symptoms.
It is essential that women and girls with ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist with experience in the condition. They can help with other symptoms such as anxiety or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping strategies, including breathing techniques and relaxation, to help reduce symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes. It also recognizes that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.