ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD face a different set of societal expectations than men, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have issues such as staying organized, forgetting details, and working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often exacerbated by the expectations that are associated with being a woman, such as societal demands and family roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated because of these issues. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and last for at least six months to be considered ADHD. It's important to understand that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms similar to ADHD.
One of the biggest reasons why women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms, such as pretending that they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and females. They are also more likely to be suffering from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, like anxiety or depression. These could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
Another reason that women with ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a prejudice against the disorder in the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing that tend to favor male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD suffer from negative self-esteem and internalized stigma, making them less willing to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type can be harder to identify because it's more internalfor example, being distracted or having difficulty staying focused on their tasks. However, with increased awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influencers and high-profile women like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessments and getting much-needed help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, an intense and often uncontrollable reaction to perceived or real rejection, than women without ADHD. This can cause problems with relationships with others and result in a lack of support networks and an inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are typically not diagnosed with ADHD until the age of adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, or because of gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers to an array of beliefs and practices that can negatively impact how doctors diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. This could be in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized thoughts that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD often have difficulty with attending to college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay on task at home or in their relationships. They may have messy homes, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also be different throughout the course of life. They may be more severe in the course of menstrual cycles or during the time leading up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause increased the irritability. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they may struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They could be at risk of being pushed into sexual activity, and of having unplanned pregnancy due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
A clear diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by medication, for example, stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, may be beneficial too. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you suffer from and your medication history when choosing an appropriate treatment plan. You may also be required to make lifestyle changes and seek counseling. You can aid your doctor by keeping track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you observe. You can also talk to your family and friends about any problems you are having because they might be able to spot something 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 household or maintaining healthy relationships or doing well at work. The symptoms can also cause feelings of low self-esteem and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to be caretakers. Because of their impulsivity and the 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 partner abuse.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A doctor will examine a woman's needs, symptoms and medical history to determine the best option for her.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed because of the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other illnesses such as anxiety and depression. The scales of rating for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are heavily influenced by male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Many women consider it to be an important moment to be diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It can provide a reason external for the challenges they face and help them regain their self-worth. Additionally, knowing that they can improve their health and develop skills that will serve them well into old age can boost confidence of women.
For many women, the most beneficial method of learning to manage their ADHD is through the combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. adhd in adult women treatment can assist women in developing strategies to cope and set achievable goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and modify negative behavior and thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to set and respect personal boundaries. Some women might also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to network with other women who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed as their symptoms do not look the same as those of boys. They may cover up their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet social norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking the diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help strategies to seek the help of a medical professional who specializes in treating ADHD in females. They can help diagnose and treat the condition and give a better understanding of its effects on girls and women.
Females with ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain relationships. These issues are complicated by their tendency to become sexually active at an earlier age, which could put them at risk of having unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to mood swings that can make it difficult for loved ones to accept them or to support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are among the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can improve focus and attention by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters to regulate moods and emotions. A healthcare provider can adjust these medications to ensure that they are effective throughout a woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from self-help methods like regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could assist in managing their symptoms at school or at work.
It's important for girls and women with ADHD to seek out a therapist and therapist with experience with the condition, as they can assist with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional distress and low self-esteem, difficulties finding or maintaining relationships, and problems at school or at work. They can also teach coping methods, such as breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, such as hormones and chromosomes, but the gender is an internal perception of self that is assigned at birth or determined by the person's behavior and appearance.