ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women with ADHD are subject to different expectations from society compared to men. These expectations can cause them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment should consider gender constructs hormone fluctuations, the severity of symptoms.
Treatment, lifestyle changes, and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and school, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms such as difficulty staying organized, forgetting details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded settings. adhd in women uk may also struggle with emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women face like family and societal roles.
Women with ADHD might have a tougher time getting diagnosed and treated because of these difficulties. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed because they do not meet the requirements. The symptoms have to be present since childhood and they must last at least six months before they be considered a valid diagnosis. It's also important to understand that other illnesses and conditions can cause similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons that women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to mask their symptoms. They might resort to strategies to disguise their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they are not stressed or exaggerate the symptoms that are more visible in men and boys. Additionally, they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood and emotions, including depression or anxiety, which can be dismissed as an ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical community could be another reason why women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews which are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Lastly, many women with ADHD experience negative self-esteem and internalized stigma and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluation for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even thinking about things. With the increased awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by high-profile women such as Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking help.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can affect interpersonal relationships and can lead to the absence of support networks and an inability to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms, and due to gender bias. Gender bias is a set of assumptions and practices in clinical settings that negatively affect how doctors identify women and girls suffering from ADHD. This could take the form of ratings scales that are skewed toward male behavior, or by internalized feelings that lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who have inattentive ADHD frequently have trouble focusing in college lectures or business meetings, and they might have difficulty staying focused at home or in their relationships. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to control their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also be different in different seasons of life. They can become more severe when, for instance, it is menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopausal symptoms, when hormonal changes can cause more irritation. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulties in their relationships with partners because of their impulsivity and lack of planning, or they may struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They might be at a higher chance of being pressured into sexual activity and of having unplanned pregnancies because they are unable to insist that their partners take contraceptives.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. Medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine or methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will consider any other health conditions or medication history you may have. You may also have to alter your lifestyle and receive counseling. You can assist by keeping track of your symptoms and keeping your doctors updated on any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, as they might be able to detect things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work and maintain healthy relationships and take care of household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women 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 risky sexual conduct or become victims of abuse from their partners.
Medicines are the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines help regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications are not efficient or appropriate medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will assess the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine the best course of action.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However they are not diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and conceal them with other conditions such as depression or anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the techniques used to interview are biased towards male behavior. This can lead to female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Many women consider it to be an important time 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. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing they can improve symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them into old age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health therapies is the best method for many women to deal with ADHD. Therapy can help women build coping strategies and establish realistic goals that she can accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and modify negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Furthermore, some women could benefit from joining an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for long periods of time since their symptoms don't look the same as in boys. They may cover up their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet the norms of society. These coping strategies can be healthy or unhealthy, but they can hinder women from seeking the diagnosis.
In addition to self-help techniques It is important to seek out an expert in healthcare who is skilled in treating ADHD in females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, and help girls and women learn more about its effects.
Women with ADHD are often unable to maintain close relationships and develop depression or anxiety. These issues can be complicated by their tendency to become sexually active at an earlier age, which puts them at risk of having unintentional sexual interactions or violence from intimate partners. Mood changes are also common in women with ADHD and can make it difficult for loved ones to comprehend or support them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are antidepressants and psychostimulants. Psychostimulants increase the speed of messages sent to the brain, which can increase concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter the way certain chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters as well as mood-regulating hormones are utilized to regulate moods and emotions. They can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure optimal effectiveness throughout the course of a woman's life.
Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, maintaining an ongoing schedule, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also inquire about accommodations that could aid in easing their symptoms at work or school.
It is essential that girls and women suffering from ADHD seek out a therapist or therapist who has experience with the condition. They can help with other issues such as anxiety 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 ease symptoms and improve their quality of life. Verywell Health acknowledges that sex refers to biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also acknowledged the gender is an internal sense of self that can be established at birth or by a person's behaviour and appearance.