ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit different symptoms. Symptoms such as inattention, forgetfulness, and difficulty interpreting social signals can make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends.
Unfortunately, these differences and an unbalanced treatment referral result in the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in young women.
Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of adhd are difficulty organizing your schedule and forgetting appointments, or paying bills and struggling to maintain friendships. add in adult women and girls can also have issues in relationships, impulsivity that results in risky behavior, including sexual activity, and a tendency toward emotional volatility. They can be misunderstood by their peers and may suffer from depression or anxiety disorders that can co-occur with ADHD which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Some women and girls do not show obvious symptoms of attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) However, they do compensate when they enter high school where social and academic demands rise. They don't seek help until they experience difficulties in college or at work.
Research has shown that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed and not recognized for ADHD, compared to boys and men. The gender bias, which is usually unintentionally, can be a factor in this disparity. Girls and women are less likely than men to be referred to a doctor for ADHD, either because they camouflage symptoms as described above or because they have different symptoms.
A girl or woman is less likely to suffer from ADHD referred to them because they tend to show mood or emotional symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely to be diagnosed for anxiety or mood disorders and receive unsuitable treatment, which can compound their problems by masking the underlying causes.
Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent in girls and women. It manifests as a lack of focus, missing deadlines, or committing a few mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or other things happening around you, and you can easily lose track of time while working on tasks. You find it difficult to relax and you are unable to sit still. You aren't able to keep your space or desk in order and you're easily overwhelmed in restaurants or stores. You are prone to overlook important details or events, such as birthday celebrations for 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 are saying. You have trouble sitting still and may fidget or react on impulse like squirming your seat or pulling at your hair. You're unable to manage your emotions and may make snide or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
A clear diagnosis is essential for women and girls with ADHD. Accurate diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are challenging, and allow you to find the help and resources to assist you in feeling more in control. A diagnosis could also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women feel relief from their diagnosis, since it gives them an explanation for the challenges they've been struggling to understand, or chalked up with gender bias or poor communication or internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical professional can test for ADHD by examining your symptoms and history and using an assessment checklist or questionnaire to assess the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications to help improve your functioning. For example, your doctor may recommend strategies for organizing such as planners, post-it notes, and lists, or suggest a medication to help you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD can include stimulants, which can boost your attention and alertness, or non-stimulants that help you stay focused without increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD in women and girls is typically diagnosed later than it is in males and boys. It is possible that sexist views, less access to healthcare and a misperception of how the disorder manifests in females can contribute to this delay.
Symptoms can vary across the lifespan and can become more severe prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. This makes it difficult to identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. For example, impulsivity and inattention can increase tensions and misunderstandings with romantic friends, partners or colleagues, and make it difficult for people to keep up with their work or social obligations. They might also have a difficult time to complete tasks such as paying bills, completing school or work assignments, or even doing household chores. This could cause them to be unhappy with their lives and may cause emotional problems such as depression or anxiousness.
The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, genetic and environmental factors. Gender refers to a person's birth status, based on their chromosomes as well as their anatomy, and includes people who identify as females, men, or nonbinary.
Treatment
Many girls and women are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Being diagnosed early will help people better understand their symptoms and find appropriate treatment options. The most effective method of treating ADHD in women and girls involves a multimodal approach, which includes medication, therapy and counseling, workplace and home life accommodations and lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD are often more prone to emotional issues and have a harder time navigating relationships than boys. They may be misunderstood by romantic partners or others and this can lead to frustration and a feeling of unfairness. They are also at greater risk of having depression and anxiety co-occurring.
They often have more difficulty finding work or retaining jobs due to their inability to organize, poor time management skills and problems with executive functions (planning, organizing, prioritizing). The emotional and social challenges can make it difficult for them to maintain or build meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can lead them to look for unhealthy ways of coping with stress, including excessive alcohol and alcohol consumption.
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. It is a form of therapy that focuses on changing the way a person thinks and acts. This could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which focuses on changing the way a person interprets or responds to situations. It could also include making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should only be done under the supervision of health professionals.
It is essential for those with ADHD to have a system of support in place, which can include family members, friends or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. It is recommended that they take part in support or community groups, as these can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and share advice on how to deal with it effectively.
Resources
Girls who suffer from ADHD struggle with making and maintaining friendships. They may also experience low self-esteem, depression or anxiety. They could be more prone to destructive, impulsive behaviors that could put them and others at risk. These behaviors can include insufficient security measures, drug or alcohol misuse, or engagement in sexual activities that are high risk.
A health care provider must perform a thorough evaluation in order to identify the root of the problem and formulate a treatment plan that is efficient. This includes the patient's medical and mental background as well as their current state of mind. The provider will also examine the person's environment to see whether it's a contributing factor.
There are numerous sources for people with ADHD such as support groups and websites that offer information and tools. There are also books to assist people with their condition and find success in their daily lives. For instance, "The Queen of Distraction: How women with ADHD can conquer chaos and Regain Focus" by Terry Matlen addresses the specific challenges that girls with ADHD face. Stephanie Sarkis's book on PhD "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to boost focus, motivation and performance, whether or not you take medication" provides a range of alternative treatments.
People suffering from ADHD can find a lot of empathy and support by connecting with others who have the same diagnosis. ADDitude magazine’s forum and ADDitude’s parenting group are among the numerous websites and social media platforms that offer assistance to those suffering from ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organizational and executive functions.
Many adults with ADHD benefit from working with a counselor or coach to learn new ways of coping and to achieve their goals in their lives. They can also seek advice from a therapist who specializes in treating mental health issues like depression, anxiety or ADHD. Many people use apps, like the popular Wunderlist and other software, to monitor their daily activities. There are numerous websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It allows two people who have the same task together remotely.