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ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are subject to different social expectations than men, 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 the quality of relationships and performance at work and at school, and also improve self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD often have symptoms like difficulty staying organized, difficulties remembering details, difficulty working in noisy or bustling environments. They might also experience emotional dysregulation and feel overwhelmed. These feelings can be exacerbated by the expectations women are faced with like family and social roles.
These challenges can make it harder for women with ADHD to be diagnosed and treated. Many people suffering from ADHD are misdiagnosed since they don't meet the criteria. Symptoms must be present since childhood and they must last at least six months before they be eligible for a diagnosis. It's important to know that stress and certain medications may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to cover up their symptoms, which is one of the main reasons they are not diagnosed. They might resort to strategies to cover up their symptoms. For instance, they might pretend that they don't feel stressed or exaggerate symptoms that are more evident in boys and men. They are also more likely to suffer from a mental illness that affects their mood and mood, like anxiety or depression. These can be misinterpreted as ADHD symptoms.
Another reason women suffering from ADHD aren't being recognized as having ADHD is due to a bias against the disorder within the medical field. The diagnosis of ADHD relies on rating scales and interviewing, which tend to favor male behavior and symptoms. Many women suffering from ADHD suffer from internalized stigma, low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or evaluate their symptoms.
Attention-deficit women are more difficult to diagnose since they might have difficulty working or focusing on their tasks, or even daydreaming. With the growing awareness of ADHD among women, and aided by famous women like Em Rusciano and Mia Freedman, more women are seeking assistance.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, a strong and often uncontrollable response to perceived or real rejection more than women with ADHD. This can cause problems in interpersonal relationships as well as the lack of support and a reluctance for women to ask for help.
Diagnosis
Women are not often diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to camouflage their symptoms, and because of gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers the set of practices and beliefs that can negatively impact how doctors diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. This could 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 inattentive ADHD often have difficulty with attending to college lectures or business meetings. They may struggle to stay on task at home or in their relationships. They may have messy homes and forget their appointments, or not pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted in social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when faced with rejection or disappointment.
The symptoms can also change at different stages of life. They may worsen, for example, during menstrual cycles or in the lead-up to menopause when hormonal changes can cause more irritation. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulties in their romantic relationships because of impulsivity and poor planning, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due to social sensitive to rejection. They could be more prone to be pushed into sexual activity or have unplanned pregnancies in the event that they are unable insist that their partners use contraception.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial to managing ADHD symptoms. The use of medication, for example stimulants such as amphetamine and methylphenidate can ease symptoms. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine, can be helpful too. When choosing a treatment, your doctor will be aware of any other health conditions or the history of medications you've had. You might also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can aid in tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor 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 are having as they might be able to spot something you did not notice. A diagnosis can be an effective step in building confidence in yourself and feeling more confident in taking control of your life.
Treatment
Women with untreated ADHD might have difficulty performing at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of self-esteem loss and self-esteem, particularly as the norms of society often require women to be caretakers. Additionally, due to their tendency to be impulsive, women and girls who suffer from untreated ADHD are more at risk for engaging in unsafe sexual behaviors or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners than their peers who do not suffer from the disorder.
Medications are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. If these medications aren't suitable, healthcare professionals may prescribe non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or guanfacine. A healthcare professional will analyze the woman's symptoms, needs and medical history to determine the most effective treatment is.
While women are diagnosed with ADHD at the same rate as males but they are not always diagnosed because of the way they hide their symptoms or mask them with other disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, rating scales and interview methods for ADHD tend to focus on male behavior, which means that some female symptoms are not recognized or understood.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a crucial moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a external explanation for their problems and help them feel more confident about their self-worth. Women's confidence can be improved by knowing that they can overcome symptoms and develop life skills that can benefit them into old age.
Combining strategies for managing behavior with mental health treatments is the best method for many women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help a woman develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals to accomplish in all areas of her life. This can be accomplished through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to assist her in identifying and change negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to improve awareness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Some women may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group in order to network with women who have a similar disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD often remain undiagnosed for long periods of time because their symptoms aren't like those of boys. They may mask their ADHD symptoms by implementing coping mechanisms that allow them to appear "normal" and conform to social norms. These strategies of coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can prevent women from seeking diagnosis.
It is important in addition to self-help techniques to seek out medical attention from a doctor that specializes in treating ADHD among females. They are able to diagnose and treat this condition, as well as help women and girls to better understand the effects.
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty maintaining close relationships and develop anxiety or depression. adhd symptoms women can be made worse due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities in their early years, putting them at risk of sexually inappropriate 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 understand or help them.
Psychostimulants and antidepressants are the most frequently used treatments for ADHD. Psychostimulants boost the amount of signals sent to the brain, which can increase concentration and attention. Antidepressants alter how the brain uses certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters to regulate emotions and moods. These medications can be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD may benefit from self-help strategies such as regular exercise, maintaining a daily schedule, or creating reminders or mindfulness. They can also learn about accommodations for work or school that can alleviate their symptoms.
It is crucial that women and girls with 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 techniques, including 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. However, it is also true that gender can be determined by behavior and appearance.
