ADHD in adhd in adult women iampsychiatry and women with ADHD typically have different symptoms than boys. Signs of ADHD include impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in understanding social signals may make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends.
These differences and biases in treatment recommendations contribute to the misdiagnosis of adhd and its undertreatment in young women.
Symptoms
Adhd is characterized by an inability to organize, forgetting appointments and bills, and difficulty maintaining friendships. Girls and women may struggle to maintain relationships, and show impulsivity which can lead to risk-taking behavior such as sexual activity, or be susceptible to emotional turbulence. They may be misunderstood and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that can be co-occurring with ADHD. This makes it harder to recognize and treat.
Some girls and women don't display obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, and then they compensate as they enter high school, where social and academic expectations rise. In the end, they do not seek help until they struggle to manage in college or in the workplace.
Research has shown that women and girls are often not diagnosed and recognized for ADHD in comparison to boys and men. The gender bias, which is typically not intentional, may contribute to this disparity. Women and girls are less likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD, either because they conceal symptoms as mentioned above or because they have different symptoms.
Women and girls are less likely to be referred for ADHD because of their tendency to show mood or emotional symptoms, like anger, rage and depression. They are more likely than males to be taken to a psychiatrist for depression or anxiety and receive inappropriate treatment that can exacerbate their problems.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls. It manifests as a lack of focus, missed deadlines, or making mistakes at school or at work. You are easily distracted by thoughts or other things happening around you, and you can easily lose track of time when working on tasks. You struggle to stay focused and find it hard to relax. You have trouble keeping your desk or room tidy and well-organized. You are easily overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. You are prone to forgetting important dates or events, like the birthday of your friend.
Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD - which is more prevalent in boys and men - can interfere with relationships, schoolwork and job performance. You are constantly in motion, interrupting others and find it difficult to pay attention to what others are saying. You have trouble being still and you may fidget or act on impulse like squirming your seat or pulling at your hair. You're not able to control your emotions, and can blurt out hurtful or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For girls and women with ADHD, accurate diagnosis is key. A proper diagnosis can help you comprehend the issues you face and help you find the support and resources you require to feel more in control. A diagnosis can also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women find relief in their diagnosis, since it provides an explanation for the challenges they've been unable to comprehend or blamed on gender bias, poor communication, or their own gender stereotypes.
A medical specialist can test for ADHD by looking at your symptoms and history as well as using the symptom checklist or questionnaire to assess the severity of your symptoms. They can also inquire about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medicines that could improve your functioning. Your doctor might suggest methods for organizing such as planners, lists and post-it notes. They may also suggest medication that helps you focus and concentrate. The medications used to treat ADHD can include stimulants, which can boost your attention and alertness, or non-stimulants, which can help you stay on task without affecting the rate of your heartbeat and blood pressure.
ADHD in girls and women is often diagnosed much later than in men and boys. This delay is likely due to sexist views as well as the lack of access to medical care and misinformation about how the disorder manifests in females.
The symptoms can be different across the years, and they can worsen before, during, and after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to recognize and treat girls and women with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity can lead to frustration and misunderstandings with colleagues, romantic partners or even family members. It can also make it difficult for them to keep work or social commitments. They may also be struggling to complete tasks such as paying bills, finishing school or work assignments, or doing household chores. This can lead them to be unhappy with their lives, and exacerbate emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
The differences between men and women in ADHD are likely to be due to neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender refers back to a person's birth status in accordance with their chromosomes and anatomical features and also includes people who identify as females or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many girls and women are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until they reach adulthood. Being diagnosed early can help people recognize their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD for women and young girls is through multimodal treatment that includes medication, therapy counseling, home and office accommodations, as well as lifestyle strategies.
Girls and women with ADHD are often more prone to emotional issues and have a harder dealing with relationships than males. They may be misunderstood by their romantic partners or other people and this can lead to frustration and a feeling that life is unfair. They also have a greater risk of having co-occurring anxiety and depression.
They typically have a harder time finding work or maintaining jobs due to their lack of organization in their lives, lack of time management skills, and difficulties in executive functions (planning or organizing prioritizing). The emotional and social challenges can make it difficult for them to maintain or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical and can cause them to seek unhealthy ways to cope with stress, including excessive drinking and substance use.
The most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)). Non-stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) and clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
In addition to medication, girls and women with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy that is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way an individual thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that aims to change the way someone perceives and responds to situations. It may also involve making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing foods or taking nutritional supplements should be done under the supervision of health care professionals.
People who suffer from ADHD must have a strong support system that could include friends, family as well as colleagues and mentors. It is also recommended they join support or community groups, as they can provide an environment where they can discuss the difficulties associated with living with ADHD and share advice to manage it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD often struggle to make and keep friendships. They may also suffer with depression or low self-esteem. They could be more prone to destructive, impulsive behaviors that could put them or others at risk. These are behaviors that include not taking safety precautions, drinking or using drugs or engaging in risky sexual activity.
A medical professional must conduct a thorough examination to identify the root of the problem and formulate a treatment plan that is efficient. This includes looking at the person's medical and mental health history, as well as current mood. The physician will also look at the person's surroundings to see whether they may be a contributing factor.
There are many resources for people with ADHD. These include support groups, websites that offer tools and information, as well as websites that provide information. There are also books that aid people in managing their condition and find success in their daily lives. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example is a book that addresses the particular challenges girls who suffer from ADHD confront. "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Increased Focus, Motivation, and Performance With or Without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers various alternative treatments for people with ADHD.
People with ADHD can get a lot of empathy and support by interacting with other people who have the same diagnosis. ADDitude magazine's forum as well as ADDitude's parenting group are among the numerous websites and social media platforms that offer assistance to those suffering from ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organization and executive function skills.
Many adults suffering from ADHD benefit from working with a coach or counselor to develop new strategies for managing their behavior and reach their goals in their lives. They can also find help from a therapist who is specialized in treating people with ADHD or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Some people use apps, such as the popular Wunderlist and software, to monitor their daily activities. There are many websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It connects people who have the same job to work together via remote.