ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may show different symptoms. The symptoms of impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it hard to make friends or sustain relationships.
Unfortunately, these differences and a bias in treatment referral result in the ineffective diagnosis and treatment of adhd in women who are young.
Signs and symptoms
Adhd is characterized by the inability to plan, forgetting appointments and bills, and difficulties maintaining friendships. Girls and women may have difficulty maintaining relationships, and show impulsivity which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be prone to emotional volatility. They can be misunderstood by their peers and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD making it more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
Some women and girls don't show conspicuous symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, but they do compensate as they enter high school, where social and academic expectations are raised. In adult add in women , they don't seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or in the workplace.
Research shows that women and girls are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed for ADHD in comparison to males and females. This disparity could be due to gender bias, which can often be unintentionally. Women and girls are less likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD or similar disorders, either because they camouflage symptoms as described above or because they exhibit different symptoms.
Girls and women also are less likely to receive referrals for ADHD due to their tendency to display mood-related or emotional symptoms, such as irritability, rage and depression. They are more likely to receive referrals for anxiety or mood disorders and receive unsuitable treatment, which can compound their issues by hiding the underlying causes.
The symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD that are more common for women and girls - include trouble staying focused and rushing deadlines or making a mistake at school or at work. You are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or by the things that happen around you. You also lose track of time while doing tasks. You find it difficult to relax and have difficulty sitting still. You have trouble keeping your desk or space clean and organized. You can easily get overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. You are more likely to forget 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 you have difficulty listening to what they are saying. You have a hard time sitting still and may fidget or do something out of a sense of compulsion like squirming in your seat or grabbing your hair. You can't control your emotions and you may make hurtful or embarrassing comments.
Diagnosis
For girls and women with ADHD An accurate diagnosis is key. A clear diagnosis can help you comprehend the issues you face and help you locate the resources and support you need to feel more in control. A diagnosis can also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls find relief in their diagnosis, as it provides a reason for the issues they've been unable to comprehend, or chalked up with gender bias or poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care provider will test you for ADHD based on your symptoms and history, and by using the symptom list or questionnaire to gauge the intensity of those symptoms. They can also ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications that can improve your functioning. Your doctor might suggest methods of organization, such as lists, planners, and post-it notes. Also, they could suggest medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants that can increase your alertness and focus as well as non-stimulants to can help you stay focused, without increasing your heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD is diagnosed later in women and girls, but not in boys. It is likely that sexist views, less access to healthcare, and a misperception of how the disorder manifests in females are the main reasons for this delay.
The symptoms can vary across the lifespan and can become more severe prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity and inattention can heighten tensions and misunderstandings with romantic friends, partners or colleagues, and make it hard for them to keep up with their work or social commitments. They may also struggle to complete tasks like paying bills, finishing school or work assignments, and doing housework. This can cause them to feel dissatisfied with their lives, and exacerbate emotional problems such as depression or anxiousness.
The gender and sex differences in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. Gender is the assigned status a person receives at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and a variety of other factors. This includes those who identify themselves as women, men or nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. Early diagnosis can help patients better know their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD in women and young girls is to employ multimodal treatment that includes medication, therapy counseling, work and home accommodations, and lifestyle plans.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD often have more emotional issues and have a harder to navigate relationships than men. They might be misunderstood by romantic partners or others, which can lead to frustration and the feeling of unfairness. They are also at an increased risk of developing co-occurring anxiety and depression.
They often have more difficulty finding work or maintaining jobs due to their inability to organize, poor time management skills, and difficulties with executive tasks (planning or organizing prioritizing). The emotional and social challenges can make it difficult for them to keep or develop meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can cause 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 include atomoxetine and viloxazine and clonidine.
In addition to medications for women and girls, those with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy that is a type of therapy that seeks to alter the way a person thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that aims to change the way someone perceives and responds to situations. It could also include incorporating lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as 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.
It is essential for those with ADHD to have a support system in place, which can include family members, friends, colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they take part in support or community groups, as they can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and share tips for managing it effectively.
Resources
Girls who suffer from ADHD often struggle to form and keep friendships. They may also have low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. adult add women are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behaviors that could put them and others at risk. These can include the lack of safety precautions or the misuse of alcohol or drugs or engaging in sexual activity that is high risk.
A health care provider must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and create an effective treatment plan efficient. This includes the person's medical and mental history as well as current mood. The provider will also look at the environment around the person to determine if they are a factor.
There are numerous resources available for people suffering from ADHD. These include support groups, websites that provide information and tools, as well as websites that provide information. There are many books that can help manage the disorder and make it more successful in life. For instance, "The Queen of Distraction: How women with ADHD can conquer chaos and Regain Focus" by Terry Matlen addresses the specific problems that girls with ADHD confront. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to increase focus, motivation and performance with or without medication" offers a variety of alternative treatment options.
Connecting with other people with the same diagnosis can offer a lot of support and empathy. ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group are among the many websites and social media platforms that offer support to people with ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organization and executive function skills.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from working with a professional counselor or coach to master new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also seek help from a therapist who is specialized in treating those suffering from ADHD or mental health issues like anxiety or depression. There are apps, such as the well-known wunderlist and software, to track their daily activities. There are a number of websites offering virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate which allows people to collaborate who are working on the same task so they can work together from a distance.