ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD often exhibit different symptoms than boys. Symptoms such as forgetfulness, impulsivity and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or establish friendships.
These differences and biases in treatment referral result in the incorrect diagnosis of adhd and its undertreatment in young women.
Symptoms
Adhd is characterized by a lack of organization, forgetting appointments and bills, as well as difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women also may be troubled with relationships, impulsivity that leads to risk-taking behaviors including sexual activities, and a tendency toward emotional volatility. They can be misunderstood by their peers and may suffer from depression or anxiety disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Certain women and girls do not exhibit obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) However, they do overcome it when they enter high school where academic and social demands increase. In the end, they don't seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or in the workplace.
Research has proven that girls and women are often misdiagnosed and not recognized as having ADHD when compared to men and boys. This is due to gender bias, which could often be unintentionally. Women and girls are less likely than men to be referred to a doctor for ADHD, either because they conceal symptoms as mentioned above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
A woman or girl is less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD referred to them due to the fact that they are more likely to exhibit emotional or mood symptoms like irritability or depression. They are more likely than males to be referred to a psychiatrist for mood disorders or anxiety, and receive inappropriate treatment that may aggravate their issues.
The signs of the inattentive subtype of ADHD - which is more common in girls and women - are a lack of focus, missing deadlines, or making a mistake at work or school. You are easily distracted by your own thoughts or by the things that happen around you. You also lose track of time when working on tasks. You are unable to sit still and find it difficult to relax. It is difficult to keep your room or desk tidy and you can easily become overwhelmed in restaurants or shopping. You're likely to forget important information or events, such as a friend's birthday.
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 always moving, you interrupt others and have trouble listening to what they are saying. You may find it difficult to sit still, fumbling around in your chair, or even grab your hair. You can't control your emotions and you could make hurtful or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
A clear diagnosis is essential for girls and women with ADHD. Accurate diagnosis will enable you to understand why certain aspects of your life are difficult and enable you to find the help and resources that will help you feel more in control. Additionally, a diagnosis could be a moment of clarity: many women and girls experience their diagnosis as an opportunity to feel relieved, and provide them with an external explanation for challenges that they've struggled to comprehend or blamed to sexist bias, miscommunication, or their own internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical specialist can test for ADHD by looking at your symptoms and past history as well as using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to assess the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medicines that could help you function better. For instance, your doctor may recommend strategies for organizing such as planners, post-it notes, and lists, or recommend a medication that will aid in concentration and focus. The drugs used to treat ADHD contain stimulants that improve your attention and alertness, or nonstimulants that aid in staying focused without affecting your blood pressure and heart rate.
ADHD in girls and women is usually diagnosed later than it is in men and boys. It is likely that sexist views, less access to healthcare, and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females are the main reasons for this delay.
Symptoms may vary throughout life and can worsen in the midst of, prior to, or after hormonal changes. This makes it difficult to identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity and inattention can increase tensions and misunderstandings with romantic partners, friends, or colleagues, and make it hard for people to keep up with work or social commitments. They may also find it difficult to complete tasks like paying bills and completing school or work assignments, or completing household chores. This can cause a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives, and can exacerbate mental issues like depression or anxiety.
The gender and sex differences in ADHD are likely the result of biological, neurological and environmental factors. Gender is the assigned status that a person is given at birth based on chromosomes, anatomy, and a variety of other factors. This includes those who identify themselves as females or men, or even nonbinary.
Treatment
Many girls and women don't receive a precise 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 in women and young girls is to use a multimodal approach that includes therapy, medication, counseling, home and office accommodations, and lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD suffer from more emotional issues and have a harder to navigate relationships. They may be misunderstood by romantic partners or others which can cause frustration and the feeling of unfairness. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety co-occurring.
They often have more difficulty finding work or retaining jobs because of their disorganization in their lives, lack of time management skills and problems with executive tasks (planning, organizing prioritizing). adhd in adult women symptoms and social challenges can make it difficult for them to keep or build meaningful relationships. They tend to be more critical of themselves, which can lead them to look for unhealthy ways to cope, such as 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)) as well as viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) and Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
In adhd symptoms in adult women to medication women and girls with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy that is a type of talking therapy that aims to change the way an individual thinks and behaves. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is focused on changing the way the person perceives or reacts to situations. It could also include making lifestyle changes for example, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking nutritional supplements. It is important to keep in mind that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should be done under the supervision of health professionals.
People suffering from ADHD need a solid support system that could include friends, family, colleagues, and mentors. It is also recommended that they participate in support or community groups, as they can provide a safe environment to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD and offer tips on how to deal with it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls who suffer from ADHD often struggle to make and maintain friendships. They might also be suffering from low self-esteem or depression. They could be more prone to destructive, impulsive behaviors that could put them or others at risk. adhd symptoms in adult women can include the lack of safety precautions or the misuse of alcohol or drugs, or engagement in high risk sexual activity.
A health professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and create a treatment plan that is effective. This involves looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, and the current state of mind. The provider will also take a look at the person's surroundings to see if they are a factor.
There are numerous resources available for people with ADHD. These include support groups, websites offering information and tools, as well as websites that offer information. There are also books to assist people with their condition and achieve success in life. For instance, "The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD can overcome chaos and Regain Focus" by Terry Matlen addresses the specific issues that girls with ADHD face. "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Enhance focus, motivation and performance With or Without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers an array of alternative therapies for those suffering from ADHD.
Connecting with other people with the same diagnosis can offer a lot of support and empathy. A variety of websites and social media platforms provide support for those with ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group. Some organizations provide day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizing skills.
Many adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from working with a counselor or coach to develop new techniques for managing their behavior and reach their goals. They can also find help from a therapist who specializes in treating patients suffering from ADHD or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. There are also apps to keep them focused on their tasks such as the well-known Wunderlist, and software that helps monitor their daily activities. There are a number of websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It pairs people who have the same task together via remote.