ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD have different social expectations than males, 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, work and school performance, and self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, forgetting details and having trouble working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, for example, social norms and family obligations.
Women who suffer from ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated because of these issues. Many people with ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must be present for at least six months in order to be considered ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons why women with ADHD are underdiagnosed is that they tend to mask their symptoms. They may resort to coping strategies to cover up their symptoms, for example, trying to pretend they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easy to spot in both males and boys. Additionally they are more likely to have a mental health condition that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety, which can be ignored as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession may also be a reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on scales of rating and interviewing which are biased towards male behaviour and symptoms. In addition, many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from an internalized stigma and low self-esteem which makes them less likely to seek evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women suffering from ADHD have the inattentive subtype. this type is more difficult to recognize because it's more internal -for example, wandering off or not being focused on tasks. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, which is fueled by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a greater tendency to develop rejection sensitivity which is a strong sometimes uncontrollable reaction to rejection, either real or perceived - than women who do not have ADHD. This can cause issues in relationships with others as well as the lack of support and a lack of ability for women to ask for assistance.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This may be because of their ability to disguise their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that adversely affect the way that clinicians diagnose women and girls with ADHD. It can be in form 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 typically have difficulty staying focused in lectures at college or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying focused at home or in their relationships. They might have cluttered homes, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They might be easily distracted during social gatherings and have trouble controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For example, they may worsen during a woman's menstrual cycle or during the lead-up to menopausal symptoms as hormonal changes can increase irritability and mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues in their romantic relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitivities to rejection. They might be at a higher chance of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancies due to their difficulty in insisting that their partners use contraception.
A clear diagnosis is essential to manage ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be helpful. Your doctor will take into account any other health conditions you have and your medication history when choosing the best treatment plan. You may also need to change your lifestyle and undergo counseling. You can assist your doctor by keeping the track of your symptoms and inform them about any changes that you notice. You can also speak to your family and friends about any problems you are having because they might be able spot something that you didn't notice. A diagnosis can be a significant step in building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and manage household chores. The symptoms can also trigger feelings of self-esteem issues or a sense of shame, particularly as women are typically expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their insanity, women and girls with untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky behavior or being victims of violence from intimate partners than those who do not suffer from the disorder.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. If these drugs aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare providers can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine or Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, requirements and history to determine what the most effective treatment is.
Although women are diagnosed with ADHD at a similar rate as men but they are not always diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or disguise them with other conditions like depression and anxiety. In addition, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior patterns, and as a result, some female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of recognition for a lot of women. It can offer an external explanation for their struggles and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. I Am Psychiatry can be boosted by knowing they can improve symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them throughout their age.
For many women, the most beneficial method of learning to cope with their ADHD is through a combination of strategies for managing behavior and mental health treatments. Therapy can help women develop coping strategies and achieve realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to aid her in identifying and modify negative behavior and thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase mindfulness and the ability to establish and adhere to personal boundaries. Some women may benefit by joining an ADHD support group to meet women who are also affected by the condition.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms do not look like those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD characteristics by implementing coping mechanisms that enable them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These coping strategies are both healthy and unhealthy, but they could stop women from seeking treatment.
It's crucial in addition to self-help techniques to seek medical attention from a doctor that specializes in treating ADHD among females. They are able to diagnose and treat this disorder, and help girls and women better understand its consequences.
Females suffering from ADHD often develop depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain relationships. This is exacerbated by the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age which puts them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women suffering from ADHD, which can make it difficult for their loved ones to comprehend or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up the signals sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from a variety self-help techniques, including regular exercise and keeping a daily calendar or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also learn about the various accommodations available at work or school that can help them manage their symptoms.
It is essential for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who is experienced with the disorder, as they can assist with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, difficulties making or maintaining relationships and problems at work or in school. They can also teach coping strategies that include relaxation and breathing techniques to help ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is a biological phenomenon, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.