ADHD in Women and Girls
Women and girls with ADHD are governed by a different set societal expectations compared to men. These expectations can lead them to feel shame and blame themselves. Treatment must take into account gender-based stereotypes, hormonal fluctuations and the severity of the symptoms.
Medication, lifestyle adjustments and therapy can help improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might suffer from symptoms like difficulty staying organized, forgetting details and having difficulty working in noisy or crowded settings. They might 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 in getting diagnosed and treated because of these challenges. Many people suffering from ADHD have been misdiagnosed, because they don't meet the requirements. The symptoms must be present since childhood and be present for at least six months to be considered ADHD. It's also important to understand that other conditions and illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as ADHD as well, such as stress and certain medications.
One of the biggest reasons that women with ADHD aren't diagnosed is because they are more likely to hide their symptoms. They may use coping strategies to hide their symptoms, for example, pretending that they aren't overwhelmed or over-compensating for symptoms that are easier to detect in males and females. In addition, they are more likely to have mental health issues that affects their mood or emotions, like depression or anxiety. These can be ignored as an ADHD sign.
A bias against ADHD in the medical profession could also be the 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 behaviors and symptoms. Many women with ADHD suffer from internalized stigma and low self-esteem and are less likely to seek treatment or an evaluation for their symptoms.
Inattentive women can be more difficult to diagnose, because they may have trouble focusing on tasks or daydreaming. However, due to the increased awareness of ADHD in women fueled by influential women and celebrities, such as Mia Freedman and Em Rusciano many women are seeking assessment and seeking assistance.
Women with ADHD are more likely to develop rejection sensitivity, which is a heightened and often uncontrollable response to real or perceived rejection, than women without ADHD. This can lead to problems in relationships and the lack of support and a reluctance to seek help.
Diagnosis
Women are often not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. This could be due to their ability to hide their symptoms, or because of gender bias. Gender bias in clinical settings refers to a set of beliefs and practices that negatively influence how clinicians determine and treat girls and women with ADHD. adult add in women can be in the form of scales for rating that are skewed toward male behavior, or due to internalized feelings that lead to misdiagnosis. Girls and women who are inattentive ADHD may struggle to concentrate in meetings at work or during college lectures. They may be unable to stay on track in their private relationships or at home. They may have homes that are cluttered, forget appointments and aren't able to pay their bills on time. They may be easily distracted by social interactions and struggle to manage their emotions, particularly when they are faced with rejection or failure.
The symptoms can also be different at different times of life. They can become more severe in the course of a woman’s menstrual period or during the time leading up to menopause when hormonal changes can increase irritation. Women with ADHD may also have difficulties in their relationships with loved ones due to their impulsivity and lack of preparation, or they could struggle to maintain friendships due to social rejection sensitivity. They may be at a higher risk of being pressured to engage in sexual activities and of having unplanned pregnancy because they have difficulty insisting that their partners make use of contraception.
A clear diagnosis is essential for managing ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can be diminished with medication, such as stimulants like amphetamine and methylphenidate. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine can be beneficial as well. Your doctor will consider any other health conditions you suffer from as well as your medical history when deciding on a treatment plan. You might also require counseling or changes to your lifestyle. You can help by tracking your symptoms and keeping your doctor informed about any changes that you notice in yourself. You can also discuss any issues you have with your friends and family members, as they could be able to spot things that you're not aware of. A diagnosis can be an effective step towards building confidence in yourself and feeling more in control of your life.
Treatment
Women living with untreated ADHD may struggle to perform at work, maintain healthy relationships, and manage household chores. These symptoms can lead to feelings of low self-esteem or guilt, particularly since women are often expected to be caregivers. In addition, because of their impulsivity, girls and women who suffer from untreated ADHD are at greater risk of engaging in sexually risky behaviors or becoming victims of intimate partner violence as compared to their peers who do not have the disorder.
The most commonly used medications are treatment for ADHD in adults. Stimulant medications, like methylphenidate or amphetamines, help to control brain activity and manage symptoms. If these medications are not efficient or appropriate healthcare professionals can prescribe nonstimulant medication, such as atomoxetine and Guanfacine. A healthcare professional will evaluate the woman's symptoms, needs and history to determine what the best course of treatment is.
Women are diagnosed with ADHD in the same proportion as men. However, they are under-diagnosed because they tend to hide their symptoms and cover them as other illnesses like depression or anxiety. The scales used to rate ADHD and the interview techniques are biased towards male behavior. This results in some female symptoms being misinterpreted or not identified.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood can be a significant moment of recognition for many women. It can provide a reason external for the struggles they face and restore their self-worth. Women's confidence can be boosted by knowing they can improve symptoms and learn life skills that will benefit them well into their old age.
Combining behavioral strategies and mental health therapies is the most effective way for many women to overcome their struggles with ADHD. Therapy can help women develop strategies for coping and set realistic goals that she can achieve in each area of her life. This can be achieved through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help her learn to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors, as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to increase awareness and the ability to set and adhere to personal boundaries. Some women may also benefit by joining an ADHD support group to network with other women who understand the disorder.
Self-help
Women who suffer from ADHD are often left undiagnosed for a lengthy period since 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 conform to societal norms. These strategies of coping are both healthy and unhealthy, but they can stop women from seeking treatment.
It's crucial, in addition to self-help strategies to seek out treatment from a healthcare provider that specializes in treating ADHD among females. They can assist in diagnosing and treat the condition, and give a better understanding of its effects on women and girls.
Females suffering from ADHD frequently experience depression and anxiety, and they can also struggle to maintain close relationships. This can be exacerbated due to the fact that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at an early age and are at risk of sexually inappropriate encounters and violence from intimate partners. Mood fluctuations are also common among women with ADHD and can make it difficult for their family members to understand or help them.
The most commonly used treatments for ADHD are psychostimulants and antidepressants. Psychostimulants speed up signals sent to the brain, which can increase focus and attention. Antidepressants change the way the brain utilizes certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, to regulate moods and emotions. The dosage of these medications can be altered by a healthcare provider to ensure that they are effective throughout the woman's lifetime.
Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from self-help strategies like regular exercise, keeping a daily schedule, or setting reminders, or practicing mindfulness. They can also find out about the various accommodations available at work or school that can help them manage their symptoms.
It's important for women and girls with ADHD to find a professional and therapist who is experienced with the disorder, as they can help with a myriad of symptoms, such as emotional stress and low self-esteem, trouble in maintaining relationships, and issues at school or at work. They can also teach coping skills, including breathing techniques and relaxation, to help reduce symptoms and improve their 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 the way you behave and appearance.