ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD may show different symptoms. Signs of ADHD include impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty understanding social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or make friends.
These differences and biases in treatment recommendations result in the incorrect diagnosis of adhd as well as its undertreatment in young women.
Symptoms
Adhd is characterised by an inability to organize as well as a tendency to forget appointments and bills, as well as difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women can also have difficulty maintaining relationships, and show impulsivity which can lead to risk-taking behavior which includes sexual activity or be prone to emotional instability. They may be misunderstood by their peers and struggle with depression or anxiety disorders that co-occur with ADHD which makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Certain women and girls do not exhibit obvious signs of attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) however, they compensate when they enter high school, where social and academic demands rise. In the end, they don't seek help until they struggle to manage in college or at work.
Research has shown that women and girls are frequently misdiagnosed or under-identified as having ADHD, in comparison to boys and men. This is due to gender bias, which can often be unintentionally. Women and girls are less likely than men to be recommended to a doctor for ADHD due to the fact that they conceal symptoms as mentioned above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
A woman or girl is less likely to suffer from ADHD being referred to them because they are more likely to show emotional or mood symptoms like irritability or depression. They are more likely than males to be referred to a psychiatrist for depression or anxiety and receive inappropriate treatment that could exacerbate their problems.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls. It manifests as a lack of concentration, missed deadlines, or making mistakes at school or at work. You can easily be distracted by thoughts or other activities happening around you and you can easily lose track of time while doing your work. You find it difficult to relax and you have difficulty sitting still. It is difficult to keep your room or desk in order and you can easily become overwhelmed in stores or restaurants. You are prone to forgetting important dates or events for example, birthdays of friends.
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 on the move, you interrupt others and have trouble listening to what they are saying. You might have difficulty sitting still, fidget in your chair or tuck your hair. You're unable to control your emotions and sometimes blurt out hurtful remarks, embarrassing or off-color.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for women and girls suffering from ADHD. Getting a proper diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are difficult and enable you to find the help and resources that can help you feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls feel relief from their diagnosis because it provides a reason for the difficulties they've struggled to comprehend or blamed on sexist bias, poor communication, or their own gender stereotypes.
A medical professional can determine if you have ADHD by looking into your symptoms and background and using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to gauge their intensity. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may suggest methods and medications that can improve your overall performance. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. They may also suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants that boost your alertness and attention or non-stimulants that can help you stay focused, without affecting your blood pressure and heart rate.
ADHD in women and girls is usually diagnosed later than in boys and men. It is likely that sexist beliefs, a lack of access to healthcare and a misperception of how the disorder manifests in females can 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 identify and treat girls and women with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity can cause confusion and frustration with romantic partners, colleagues or friends. It can also make it difficult for them to keep work or social commitments. They may also struggle to complete tasks like paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, or doing housework. This could cause them to be unhappy with their lives, and may cause emotional problems such as depression or anxiousness.
The sex and gender differences in ADHD are likely the result of biological, neurological, and environmental factors. Gender is the assigned status that a person gets at birth based on chromosomes, anatomy, and other factors. This includes those who identify themselves as women or men, or even non-binary.
Treatment
Many women and girls don't receive a precise diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people better recognize their symptoms and find the most effective treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD for women and young girls is through an approach that is multimodal and includes therapy, medication, counseling, home and work accommodations, as well as lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and a tougher time navigating relationships. They can be misunderstood or criticized by romantic partners or others and this can lead to frustration and the feeling of unfairness. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety co-occurring.
They are often more difficult in finding work or maintaining jobs because of their disorganization, poor time management skills and difficulty with executive functions (planning or organizing, prioritizing). Social difficulties and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to maintain or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical which may lead them to look for unhealthy ways to cope with stress, including excessive alcohol 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 include atomoxetine, viloxazine, and clonidine.
In addition to medications, girls and women with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy which is a type of therapy that seeks to alter the way a person thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that aims to change the way an individual interprets and responds to situations. It could also involve changes in lifestyle, like eating healthy, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is important to note that removing foods or supplementing with supplements should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
It is important for people who suffer from ADHD to have an established support system that includes friends, family members or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. adhd symptoms in women is recommended that they take part in support or community groups, since they can provide a safe environment to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD and share tips for managing it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls with ADHD have a hard time making and maintaining friendships. add symptoms in women may also suffer from low self-esteem or depression. They may be more prone to destructive, impulsive behavior that could put them or others at risk. These include not taking safety precautions, drinking or using drugs, or engaging in high-risk sexual activity.
A medical professional should do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. This includes looking at the person's medical and mental health history, as well as their current mood. The doctor will also look at the person's surroundings to determine whether it's a contributing factor.
There are numerous resources available for those suffering from ADHD. These include support groups, websites that offer information and tools, as well as websites that provide information. There are many books that can help you manage the condition and help you achieve success in life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example is a book that addresses the particular challenges girls who suffer from ADHD have to 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.
People suffering from ADHD will find plenty of help and understanding by interacting with other people who have the same diagnosis. adhd symptoms for women and social media platforms provide assistance for those suffering from ADHD including ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parent group. Some organizations offer day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizational skills.
Many adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from working with a professional counselor or coach to develop new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also seek advice from a therapist who is specialized in treating mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or ADHD. Some people use apps, such as the popular Wunderlist and software, to keep track of their daily activities. There are a number of websites that allow virtual collaboration. Focusmate is one such website. It connects people with the same task to work together via remote.