ADHD in Women and Girls
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD are governed by different expectations from society compared to men. These expectations can cause people to feel ashamed and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and symptom intensity.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can improve relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD typically experience symptoms such as problems staying organized, difficulty recalling details, or having trouble working in noisy or busy environments. They can also experience emotional dysregulation, and feel overwhelmed. These feelings are often compounded by the expectations that come with being female, such as societal demands and family roles.
These challenges can make it difficult for women with ADHD to get diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed as they do not meet the criteria. The symptoms must have been present since childhood and must last at least six months in order to qualify as ADHD. It's also important to know that other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to ADHD that include stress and certain medications.
One of the main reasons that women with ADHD are not diagnosed is that they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms, for example, pretending they are not feeling stressed or overcompensating with symptoms that are easier to detect in males and boys. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their emotions and mood, such as anxiety or depression, which could be mistaken for ADHD symptoms.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession may also be a reason for why women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The diagnosis of ADHD is based on rating scales and interviewing that are biased towards male behavior and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem, and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to identify, as they may have difficulty focusing on tasks or thinking about things. But, with the growing awareness of ADHD among women, aided by influencers and high-profile women, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano, more women are seeking tests and getting much-needed assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived as compared to women who do not have ADHD. This can interfere with relationships with others and result in a lack of support networks and an inability to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are frequently not diagnosed with ADHD well into adulthood. This is likely due to their ability to disguise their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias is a set assumptions and practices in clinical settings that can negatively impact how clinicians identify women and girls with ADHD. It can be in form in the form of rating scales that are biased towards male behavior or internalized feelings that cause incorrect diagnosis. Women and girls with inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate in meetings at work or during college classes, and could be unable to stay focused in their personal relationships or at home. They may have cluttered homes, forget their appointments and are unable to pay their bills on time. They could be easily distracted in social gatherings and have trouble managing their emotions when confronted with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change throughout the course of life. For instance, they could be more severe during a woman's monthly cycle or during the lead-up to menopause as hormonal changes can increase irritability and mood swings. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have issues in their relationships due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they may struggle to keep friendships going due to social sensitive to rejection. They may be more likely to be pressured into sexual activities or have unplanned pregnancies when they are unable to insist on their partners using contraception.
A precise diagnosis is essential to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, can help reduce symptoms. Non-stimulants such as atomoxetine may be beneficial as well. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will consider any other health issues and medications you have. You may also have to alter your lifestyle and seek counseling. You can help your doctor by keeping an eye on your symptoms and informing them about any changes that you observe. You can also discuss any issues that you have with your family and friends members, as they might be able to spot things that you might miss. A diagnosis can be a powerful step in building self-esteem and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work and maintain healthy relationships and manage household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and guilt, especially since society's expectations typically require women to take care of. Due to their impulsivity, and heightened risk of violence in intimate relationships, women and girls who have untreated ADHD are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behaviors or be victims of abuse by their partners.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication. Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate, help regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. If inattentive add in women aren't effective or appropriate medical professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and past medical history to determine the best course of treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same amount as men. However, they are under-diagnosed because they are more likely to conceal their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses such as depression or anxiety. The rating scales for ADHD and the methods used to conduct interviews are biased towards male behavior. This leads to some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Being diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a external explanation for their struggles and help them regain their sense of self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing that they can reduce symptoms and acquire life skills that can benefit them into old age.
For many women, the most effective 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 strategies for coping and set realistic goals to achieve in each area of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps her identify and change negative thoughts. It can also be achieved through dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) which improves awareness and the capacity 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 condition.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for a long time because their symptoms don't appear the same as in boys. They may conceal their ADHD symptoms by employing coping strategies to appear "normal" or to meet social norms. These coping strategies can be both healthy and unhealthy, but they may prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
It's crucial in addition to self-help strategies, to seek treatment from a healthcare provider who is specialized in treating ADHD among females. They can diagnose and treat this disorder, and assist women and girls learn more about its consequences.
Women suffering from ADHD can struggle to maintain close relationships and may develop anxiety or depression. These issues are complicated by their tendency to become sexually active at a younger age, which could put the risk of unintentional sexual relationships or intimate partner violence. Mood swings are also common in women with ADHD, which can make it difficult for family members to understand or support them.
Antidepressants and psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants can help improve concentration and focus by speeding up the messages sent to your brain. Antidepressants alter how the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to manage emotions and moods. A doctor can modify these medications to ensure they work throughout a woman's lifetime.
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD can benefit from self-help strategies like regular exercise, maintaining an agenda for the day, creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for school or work that can alleviate their symptoms.
It's important for women and girls with ADHD to seek out a therapist and therapist who is experienced with the condition, since they can help with a variety of other symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, difficulty making or maintaining relationships and difficulties at work or in school. They can also teach coping methods that include breathing techniques and relaxation techniques, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Verywell Health recognizes that sex is biology, including hormones and chromosomes, but that gender can be determined by the way you behave and appearance.