ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to a different set of societal expectations than men, and those expectations can lead to shame and self-blame. Treatment needs to account for gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, difficulties remembering details, and having difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that are associated with being female, for example, social norms and family obligations.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated because of these difficulties. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood, and they must last for at least six months to qualify for a diagnosis. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
One of the biggest reasons why women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, like pretending they are not feeling overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression. These can 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 rating scales and interviews, and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD are afflicted with internalized stigma and low self-esteem, making them less willing to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Women who are not attentive can be more difficult to diagnose, because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or daydreaming. However, with increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessment and getting much-needed assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable reactivity to real or perceived rejection more than women with ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships with others, a lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women often go undiagnosed for ADHD well into adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to hide their symptoms, and because of gender bias. click the up coming post of gender bias in clinical settings refers to an array of beliefs and practices that affect how healthcare professionals diagnose and treat girls and women with ADHD. This can take the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that can lead to incorrect diagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD might have difficulty focusing during business meetings or college lectures, and may also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted during social interactions, and may have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. They may be more severe, for example, during the menstrual cycle of women or in the lead-up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase irritation. Women with ADHD might also have issues in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitivities to rejection. They could be more prone to be pressured into sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies if they are unable to insist that their partners use contraception.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can be beneficial as well. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will take into consideration any other health conditions or medication history you may have. You may also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can assist your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and informing them about any changes that you observe. You can also speak to your family and friends about any issues you are having, as they may be able to spot something you didn't notice. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women with ADHD who are not treated may face difficulties managing their household and maintaining healthy relationships or performing well at work. Symptoms may also lead to feelings such as low self-esteem or a sense of shame, particularly as 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 risky sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse from their partners.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medications. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, assist in controlling brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these medications are not effective or appropriate, healthcare providers may prescribe nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's needs, symptoms and history to determine the most effective option for her.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However they are not diagnosed due to the fact that they hide their symptoms and mask them with other disorders such as depression or anxiety. The scales of rating for ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being recognized.
Many women find it a significant moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as they grow older. It can provide a rationale for the struggles they face and restore their self-worth. Women's confidence can be increased by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them into old age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the most effective way for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can assist a woman build coping strategies and establish realistic goals that she can achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and change negative attitudes and behaviors as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Some women might benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet other women who understand the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD often go undiagnosed for a lengthy period since their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD characteristics by using coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet societal norms. These strategies for coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
It's important in addition to self-help techniques to seek out the help of a medical professional who is specialized in treating ADHD for females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition and give a better understanding of its impacts on girls and women.
Women with ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. This can be exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities at an early age and are at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Women with ADHD are also prone to mood swings, which can make it hard for loved ones to be able to understand or help them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter the way the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure that they work throughout a woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help techniques, including regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, as well as practicing mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that can aid in easing their symptoms at school or at work.
It is essential that women and girls with ADHD find a clinician or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can assist with other issues such as emotional distress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping techniques, including relaxation and breathing techniques, to help reduce symptoms and improve their lives. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a matter of biology, which includes hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behaviour and appearance.