ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are subject to different social expectations than males, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment should take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal changes and the severity of symptoms.
Treatment, lifestyle changes and therapy can help improve relationships, work and school performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might have issues such as keeping track of their schedule, ignoring details, and working in noisy or crowded settings. They may also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with in their families and societal roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher to be diagnosed and treated due to these issues. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't fit the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and last at least six months in order to be considered as ADHD. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms as a result, which is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They may use strategies to cover up their symptoms. For example, they might pretend that they don't feel stressed or overstate symptoms that are more apparent in men and boys. In addition, they are more likely to suffer from mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, including depression or anxiety, which could be ignored as an ADHD sign.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community may also be a reason why women with ADHD aren't recognized as having ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on ratings scales and interviews which are biased toward male behavior and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD are afflicted with an internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek out evaluation or treatment for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive subtype, and this type can be harder to diagnose because it's more internalfor example, daydreaming or having trouble staying focused on tasks. With the increasing awareness of ADHD among women, fueled by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman More women are seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reactivity to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and lead to an absence of support networks and a failure to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This may be because of their ability to hide their symptoms, or due to gender bias. Gender bias refers to a set of beliefs and practices that are prevalent in clinical settings that negatively affect how doctors identify girls and women with ADHD. This can take form in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that cause confusion in diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate in meetings at work or during college classes, and could also struggle to stay on task in their personal relationships or at home. signs and symptoms of adhd in women may have homes that are cluttered and forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and have difficulty controlling their emotions when faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also change during different stages of life. They can become more severe, for example, during the menstrual cycle of women or in the period leading up to menopausal changes, which can cause more irritability. Women with ADHD may also experience difficulties in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they could struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They may be more likely to be pushed into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist 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 reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may also be beneficial. When choosing a treatment your doctor will take into consideration any other health issues and the history of medications you've had. You may also require counseling or lifestyle changes. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors aware of any changes you observe in yourself. It is also a good idea to talk to your family and friends about any issues you're experiencing as they might be able spot something that you missed. A diagnosis can help you build self-esteem and feel more in control.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and manage household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings such as low self-esteem 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 have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If they aren't efficient or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess a woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the best treatment plan is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as males. However, they are under-diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and conceal them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior symptoms. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not being identified.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be an important moment of acknowledgment for a lot of women. It can provide an external explanation for the struggles they face and boost their self-esteem. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing they can improve symptoms and learn life skills that will benefit them into old age.
Combining behavioral strategies with mental health treatments is the best way for many women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop coping mechanisms and create realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which can increase awareness and the capacity to establish and maintain personal boundaries. Some women might benefit by joining an ADHD support group to network with women who are also affected by the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a lengthy period because their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They can disguise their ADHD characteristics by implementing coping mechanisms that allow them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These coping mechanisms could be healthy or unhealthy, but can hinder women from seeking the diagnosis.
It's important as well as self-help techniques to seek out the help of a medical professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, and assist women and girls better understand its consequences.
Females with ADHD tend to develop depression and anxiety as well as struggle to maintain relationships. This can be made worse due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a young age and are at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from their intimate partners. Women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to mood swings that can make it difficult for their loved ones understand them or support them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which can improve concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way that certain chemicals in the brain, like neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate mood, are utilized to regulate moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a doctor to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the woman's lifetime.
Women and girls with ADHD can benefit from a variety of self-help techniques, including regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule or reminders, and practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at work or school that can ease their symptoms.
It is essential that women and girls with ADHD find a doctor or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms, such as depression, emotional stress or low self-esteem, as well as difficulties making or maintaining relationships. They can also teach coping strategies, such as breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce symptoms and improve 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.