ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subject to a different set of societal expectations than males, and those expectations can result in shame and self-blame. Treatment must take into account gender constructs, hormone fluctuations, and symptom intensity.
Lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy can improve relationships and performance at work and school, and also improve self-esteem.
add women and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD often experience symptoms like trouble staying organized, trouble remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or crowded environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, for example, societal demands and family roles.
Women with ADHD may have a harder to be diagnosed and treated due to these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't fit the requirements. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last at minimum six months in order to be considered a valid diagnosis. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
One of the primary reasons women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they tend to cover up their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, such as trying to pretend they aren't stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easier to see in males and females. They are also more likely to suffer from mental illness that affects their mood and mood, like anxiety or depression, which can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
Another reason why women suffering from ADHD are underdiagnosed may be due to a bias against the disorder within the medical community. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviews and these tools are biased towards male behaviors and symptoms. Many women who suffer from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Some women with ADHD have the inattentive type, and this type is more difficult to diagnose because it's more internalfor example, wandering off or not being focused on their tasks. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD among women, aided by high-profile women and influencers like Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessments and seeking help.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reactivity to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can interfere with relationships with others and result in a lack of support networks and a failure to reach out for help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to disguise their symptoms, or due to gender bias. The concept of gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat women and girls with ADHD. It can be in the form of rating scales that tend to be biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that can lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty attending to college lectures or business meetings, and they may struggle to stay on track at home or in their personal relationships. They might have cluttered homes and forget appointments and fail to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, especially when facing rejection or failure.
Symptoms may also alter at different times of life. They may be more severe in the course of menstrual cycles or during the time leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause increased irritation. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they may struggle to keep friendships going due to social rejection sensitivity. They may be more likely to be pushed into sexual activity or to have unplanned pregnancy if they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
Making an accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be controlled with medications, including stimulants such as amphetamine or methylphenidate. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment your doctor will consider any other health issues and medication history you may have. You may also be required to make lifestyle changes and receive counseling. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctors aware of any changes you notice in yourself. You can discuss any issues you have with your family members and friends members, because they may be able to spot things you may have missed. A diagnosis can be a significant step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and handle household chores. Symptoms may also lead to feelings of self-esteem issues or guilt, particularly since women are often expected to be caregivers. Because of their impulsivity and the increased risk of violence in intimate relationships, girls and women who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in dangerous sexual conduct or become victims of partner abuse.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with medications. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines or methylphenidate, aid to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these aren't effective or appropriate, healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. A doctor will examine the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine the best course of action.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as men however, they are often under-diagnosed due to the way they conceal their symptoms or cover them with other conditions such as anxiety and depression. In addition, the scales of rating and interview techniques for ADHD are skewed toward male behavior, which means that women's symptoms can be misinterpreted or under-identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a rationale for the challenges they face and restore their self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and acquire life skills that will benefit them well into their old age.
For many women, the most beneficial way to learn how to manage their ADHD is to use a combination of behavioral strategies and mental health treatments. Therapy can assist women in developing strategies for coping and achieve realistic goals in all areas of their lives. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) which helps her recognize and alter negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) which improves mindfulness and the capability of setting and observing personal boundaries. Additionally, some women might benefit from finding an ADHD support group to make connections with others who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often misdiagnosed because their symptoms are not like those of males. They may mask their ADHD characteristics by implementing strategies to cope that allow them to appear "normal" and meet societal norms. These strategies of coping can be healthy as well as unhealthy, but they may hinder women from seeking a diagnosis.
In adhd in adult women to self-help techniques, it's important to consult an experienced healthcare professional who is specialized in treating ADHD in females. They can diagnose and treat this condition as well as help women and girls to better understand the effects.
Females suffering from ADHD often develop depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain relationships. This can be exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at an early age, putting them at risk of unwelcome sexual encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for loved ones to understand or support them.
The most common treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants alter the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, like neurotransmitters, to manage moods and emotions. A doctor can alter the dosage of these medications to ensure they work throughout the life of a woman.
Women and girls with ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, keeping an ongoing schedule, making reminders, or focusing on mindfulness. They can also find out about accommodations that can aid in easing their symptoms at work or school.
It is important that girls and women with ADHD find a clinician or therapist with experience in the condition. They can assist with other symptoms such as anxiety as well as low self-esteem and difficulty in maintaining or establishing relationships. They can also teach coping strategies like breathing and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.