ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted with different symptoms than boys. Symptoms such as inattention, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or establish friendships.
Unfortunately, these disparities and a bias in treatment referral result in the under-diagnosis and treatment of adhd in women who are young.
Symptoms
Adhd is characterised by the inability to plan in which people forget appointments and bills, as well as difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women may struggle to maintain relationships, exhibit impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be susceptible to emotional volatility. They can be misunderstood and suffer from depression or anxiety disorders that can be co-occurring with ADHD. This makes it harder to identify and treat.
Some women and girls don't show conspicuous symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle school or in elementary school, but they do compensate when they reach high school, when social and academic expectations rise. They don't seek help until they experience difficulties at college or at work.
Research has shown that women and girls are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed for ADHD in comparison to boys and men. This disparity could be due to gender bias, which can often be not intentional. Girls and women are less likely than men to be referred to a doctor for ADHD or similar disorders, either because they camouflage symptoms as described above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
Females and females are less likely to be referred for ADHD due to their propensity to exhibit emotional or mood-related symptoms, like anger, rage and depression. They are more likely to be referred to a psychiatrist for anxiety or mood disorders and receive unsuitable treatment, which may exacerbate their problems by masking the root causes.
The symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD - which is more common for women and girls - include difficulty staying focused and rushing deadlines or making careless mistakes at work or school. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or 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 hard to relax. You aren't able to keep your space or desk in order, and you are easily overwhelmed in restaurants or shopping. You are prone to forget important details or events, such as the birthday of a 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 always moving, you interrupt others and you have difficulty listening to what they're saying. You may have trouble sitting still, fumbling around in your chair or tuck your hair. You are unable to control your emotions and sometimes blurt out hurtful remarks, embarrassing or off-color.
Diagnosis
For girls and women with ADHD An the right diagnosis is essential. A correct diagnosis can help you comprehend the difficulties you are facing and help you find the resources and support you need to feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls find relief in their diagnosis, since it provides a reason for the challenges they've struggled to comprehend or blamed on discrimination against women, poor communication, or their internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical professional can determine if you have ADHD by examining your symptoms and background, and using the symptom checklist or questionnaire to determine the severity. They'll also inquire about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that can help you function better. Your doctor might suggest methods of organization, such as lists, planners, and post-it notes. Also, they could suggest a medication that helps you focus and concentrate. The medications that treat ADHD include stimulants that can increase your alertness and focus, or nonstimulants that aid in staying focused without increasing heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD in women and girls is often diagnosed much later than males and boys. It is likely that sexist views, less access to healthcare and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
The symptoms can be different throughout life, and they can worsen prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity may cause confusion and frustration with colleagues, romantic partners or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to maintain commitments to work or social obligations. They may also be struggling to complete tasks such as paying bills, finishing school or work assignments, and doing housework. This could cause them to feel dissatisfied with their lives, and may cause emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are likely the result of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. Gender refers to a person's status at birth, based on their chromosomes and anatomical features, and includes people who identify as women, men, or nonbinary.
Treatment
Many girls and women are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. Getting an early diagnosis can help people understand their symptoms and find appropriate treatment options. The most effective method of treating ADHD for girls and women involves a multimodal strategy including counseling, therapy, and medication in the workplace and at home accommodations and lifestyle techniques.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often more prone to emotional problems and a harder dealing with relationships than males. They can be misunderstood either by romantic partners or other people. This can lead to anger and a feeling of unfairness. They also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety co-occurring.
They often have more difficulty finding work or maintaining jobs due to their inability to organize in their lives, lack of time management skills and difficulty with executive tasks (planning or organizing prioritizing). Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or develop meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which may lead them to look for unhealthy ways of coping like excessive drinking and drugs.
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 are atomoxetine, viloxazine and Clonidine.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. adult female adhd symptoms Iam Psychiatry is a form of talking therapy aimed at changing the way an individual thinks and behaves. This could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which concentrates on changing how a person interprets or responds to situations. It can also involve incorporating lifestyle changes, for example, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking nutritional supplements. However, it is important to note that cutting out foods or taking supplements should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional.
It is essential for those who suffer from ADHD to have an established support system which could include family members, friends or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. It is also recommended that they participate in support groups or community groups, as these can offer a safe place to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and offer tips on how to manage it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, depression or anxiety. They are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behavior which could put them or others at risk. These could include the lack of safety precautions or the misuse of alcohol or drugs or engaging in sexual activities that are high risk.
A medical professional must perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and create an effective treatment plan efficient. This includes looking at the person's medical and mental health history, and the current state of mind. The physician will also take a look at the person's surroundings to see whether they may be a contributing factor.
There are a variety of resources for people suffering from ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books that aid people in managing their condition and be successful in their daily lives. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example it addresses the particular issues girls with ADHD face. Stephanie Sarkis's book on PhD "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to improve focus, motivation and performance, whether or not you take medication" provides a range of alternative treatments.
Connecting with people with the same diagnosis can provide a lot support and compassion. ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group are just two of the numerous websites and social media platforms that provide assistance to those suffering from ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps and day programs that teach organization and executive functions.
Many adults with 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 seek advice from a therapist that specializes in the treatment of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. Some people use apps, like the popular Wunderlist and software, to keep track of their daily activities. There are numerous websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It allows two individuals who share the same job to work together remotely.