ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted with different signs than boys. The symptoms include forgetfulness, impulsivity and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or establish friendships.
Unfortunately, these disparities and an unbalanced treatment referral cause under-diagnosis and treatment of adhd in young women.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptoms of adhd include difficulty staying organized, forgetting appointments or paying bills and having difficulty maintaining friendships. Women and girls may also have trouble maintaining relationships, and show impulsivity which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be prone to emotional instability. They are often misunderstood their peers and may suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Some women and girls do not exhibit obvious signs of attention-deficit disorders (ADHD) However, they do make up for it when they start high school, when social and academic demands rise. In the end, they do not seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or the workplace.
Research shows that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed and not recognized for ADHD in comparison to boys and men. The gender bias, which is typically unintentionally, can be a factor in this disparity. 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 have different symptoms.
A girl or woman is less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD diagnosed because they are more likely to exhibit emotional or mood symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely than males to be taken to a psychiatrist for mood disorders or anxiety, and receive treatment that may aggravate their problems.
Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD which is more prevalent in girls and women - include trouble staying focused and rushing deadlines or making a mistake at work or school. You are easily distracted by thoughts or other things going on around you, and you frequently lose track of time when doing your work. You find it difficult to relax and you find it difficult to sit for long periods of time. You aren't able to keep your space or desk in order, and you are easily overwhelmed in restaurants or stores. 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 and interrupt others, and have trouble listening to what they're saying. You have trouble being still and you may fidget or react on impulse like squirming in your seat or grabbing your hair. You can't control your emotions, and you could make hurtful or embarrassing comments.
Diagnosis
For women and girls suffering from ADHD an getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A correct diagnosis can help you comprehend the difficulties you are facing and help you locate the resources and support you require to feel more in control. A diagnosis can be a lightbulb moment that many girls and women find their diagnosis to be an uplifting experience, providing them with an external explanation for challenges that they've been unable to comprehend or attributed to sexist biases or miscommunication. Or, they blame their internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical professional can test for ADHD by looking at your symptoms and past history, and using the symptom checklist or questionnaire to determine the severity of your symptoms. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that will improve your functioning. Your doctor may recommend methods for organizing such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Also, they could suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants that can boost your alertness and attention or non-stimulants that help you stay focused without affecting your heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD is diagnosed later in girls and women than in boys. It is possible that sexist attitudes, poorer access to healthcare and a misperception of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
The symptoms may change throughout the course of life and can worsen during, before, or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity and inattention can increase tensions and misunderstandings with romantic friends, partners or colleagues, and make it hard for them to keep up with work or social engagements. They might also have difficulty to complete tasks such as paying bills as well as working on school or work assignments, or completing household chores. This can lead people to feel unhappy with their lives, and exacerbate emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
The gender differences between women and men in ADHD are most likely due to biological, neurological and environmental factors. Gender refers to a person's birth status, based on their chromosomes and anatomy, and includes people who identify as females or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. Early diagnosis can help patients better recognize their symptoms and find the best treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD in young and female girls is through an approach that is multimodal and includes medication, therapy counseling, home and office accommodations, and lifestyle plans.
Girls and women with ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and have a difficult to navigate relationships. They may be misunderstood, either by romantic partners or other people. This can cause frustration as well as feelings of unfairness. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety that are co-occurring.
They often have more difficulty finding work or keeping jobs because of their disorganization in their lives, lack of time management skills and difficulty in executive functions (planning or organizing prioritizing). They often struggle to develop meaningful friendships or maintain relationships due to social challenges and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more self-critical, which can lead them to seek unhealthy ways to cope with stress, including excessive drinking and drug 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 (Strattera(r)) and viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) and clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD could benefit from psychotherapy. It is a form of talking therapy aimed at changing the way an individual thinks and acts. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing the way an individual interprets or responds to situations. It can also involve making lifestyle changes for example, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is vital to remember that removing foods or supplementing with supplements should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional.
It is important for people who suffer from ADHD to have a system of support in place which could include family members, friends or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. It is also recommended that they join support groups or community groups as these can offer an opportunity to talk about the difficulties associated with living with ADHD, and share tips for managing it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls with ADHD often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also suffer from depression or low self-esteem. They are susceptible to impulsive and destructive behaviors which could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These can include the lack of safety precautions, drug or alcohol misuse or engaging in sexual activities that are high risk.
A medical professional should do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. This includes a person's mental and medical history as well as their mood. The provider will also look at the environment around the person to determine whether they may be a contributing factor.
There are numerous resources available for people with ADHD. These include support groups, websites that provide information and tools, as well as websites that offer information. There are also books that aid people in managing their condition and find success in their lives. For treatment for adhd in women , "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 book on PhD "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to increase focus, motivation, and performance, whether or not you take medication" provides a variety of alternatives to treatment.
Connecting with other people who have the same diagnosis can provide a lot help and understanding. A variety of websites and social media platforms offer support for people with ADHD such as ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group. Some organizations provide day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizational skills.
Many people with ADHD are able to benefit from working with a counselor or coach to learn new techniques for managing their behavior and reach their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist that specializes in the treatment of mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or ADHD. Many people use apps, like the popular Wunderlist and other software, to track their daily activities. There are numerous websites that allow virtual collaboration. Focusmate is one such website. It allows two people who have the same job to work together remotely.