ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD may show different symptoms. The symptoms include forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulty understanding social signals can make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends.
These differences and biases in treatment referral can lead to misdiagnosis of adhd and its undertreatment in young women.
Symptoms
Adhd is characterized by an inability to organize in which people forget appointments and bills, as well as difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women can also have trouble maintaining relationships, show impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be susceptible to emotional instability. They may be misunderstood by their peers and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD, making it even more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
Certain women and girls don't display obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in elementary school or middle school, but they do compensate when they reach high school, where academic and social expectations increase. They don't seek help until they are having difficulty coping at college or at work.
Research has proven that women and girls are consistently misdiagnosed and under-identified as having ADHD, in comparison to men and boys. Gender bias, which is typically unintentional, can contribute to this disparity. adhd symptoms in adult women and women are less likely than men to be referred to a doctor for ADHD, either because they conceal symptoms as mentioned above or because they exhibit different symptoms.
A girl or woman is less likely to suffer from ADHD diagnosed because they are more likely to exhibit emotional or mood symptoms like irritability and depression. They are more likely than males to be diagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and receive inappropriate treatment that can exacerbate their problems.
The symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD which is more common for women and girls - include difficulty staying focused, missing deadlines, or making a mistake at work or school. You can easily be distracted by your thoughts or other activities happening around you and you frequently lose track of time while doing tasks. You are unable to sit still and find it hard to relax. You struggle to keep your desk or room tidy and neat. You can easily get overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. You are prone to forgetting important events or details, 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 busy, interrupting others and find it difficult to pay attention to what people are talking about. You might have difficulty sitting still, or twitching in your chair or tuck your hair. It's difficult to control your emotions and you may make hurtful or embarrassing comments.
Diagnosis
A precise diagnosis is crucial for girls and women with ADHD. Accurate diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are difficult and enable you to get the help and support to assist you in feeling more in control. A diagnosis can also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women feel relief from their diagnosis, as it provides an explanation for the issues they've been unable to comprehend or blamed on sexist bias or poor communication or their internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical professional can test you for ADHD according to your symptoms and previous experiences tests, using an inventory of symptoms or a questionnaire to assess the severity of those symptoms. They will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that can improve your functioning. For example your doctor might suggest ways to organize your life, such as planners, post-it notes and lists, or suggest a medication that can aid in concentration and focus. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants that can improve your attention and alertness as well as non-stimulants to aid in staying focused without increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in women and girls, but not in boys. It is possible that sexist views, less access to healthcare, and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
The symptoms can change throughout life and may become worse in the midst of, prior to, or after hormonal changes. This can complicate the diagnosis process and treatment options for girls and women with ADHD. For example, impulsivity and inattention can heighten the frustrations and miscommunications in relationships with romantic friends, partners or colleagues, and make it difficult for them to keep up with work or social commitments. They might also have difficulty to complete tasks such as paying bills as well as finishing work or school assignments, or doing housework. This can cause feeling dissatisfied with their lives and exacerbate emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
The differences between men and women in ADHD are likely to be due in part to neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender is the assigned status that a person gets at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and a variety of other factors. This includes people who identify themselves as women males, non-binary.
Treatment
Many women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. A diagnosis early will help people better understand their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective approach to treating ADHD in women and girls involves a multimodal approach, which includes medication, therapy and counseling in the workplace and at home accommodations and lifestyle techniques.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD suffer from more emotional issues and a tougher to navigate relationships. They may be misunderstood by their partners or others, which can lead to frustration and a feeling of unfairness. They also have a higher risk of co-occurring anxiety and depression.
They typically have a harder time finding work or retaining jobs due to their lack of organization and poor time management skills, and difficulties with executive functions (planning, organizing, prioritizing). Social difficulties and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or develop meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can lead them to seek unhealthy ways to cope with stress, including excessive drinking and adolescent 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 atomoxetine, viloxazine, and Clonidine.
Girls and women with ADHD might benefit from psychotherapy. It is a form of therapy that focuses on changing the way an individual thinks and acts. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is focused on changing the way a person interprets or responds to situations. It can also involve taking on lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet regularly exercising and taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should be done under the supervision of health experts.
People suffering from ADHD need a solid support system that could include family, friends as well as colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they join in support or community groups, as they can provide a safe space to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and offer tips for managing it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls who suffer from ADHD struggle with making and maintaining friendships. They may also suffer from low self-esteem or depression. They are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behavior which could put them or others at risk. These can include the lack of safety precautions or the misuse of alcohol or drugs or engaging in high risk sexual activity.
A doctor must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of the symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. This involves looking at the person's medical and mental health history, as well as their current mood. The provider will also examine the environment around the person to determine whether they could be a cause.
There are a variety of resources available for people with ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books that can help people manage their condition and find success in their daily lives. For example, "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 Improve focus, motivation and performance With or without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers an array of alternative therapies for people with ADHD.
Connecting with others with the same diagnosis can give a lot of support and empathy. Many websites and social media platforms provide support for people with ADHD such as ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parent group. Some organizations offer summer or daytime programs that teach executive function and organizing abilities.
Highly recommended Resource site with ADHD benefit from working with a coach or counselor to learn new ways of coping and reach their goals in their lives. They can also seek advice from a therapist who is specialized in the treatment of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. Some people use apps, such as the popular Wunderlist and software, to keep track of their daily activities. There are also a variety of websites that offer virtual collaboration, for instance Focusmate which connects people with the same task so they can work together via remote.