ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men. Symptoms such as impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty interpreting social signals can make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends.
These differences and biases in the treatment process contribute to the misdiagnosis of adhd and its ineffective treatment in young women.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptoms of adhd include difficulty keeping track of appointments and forgetting appointments, or making payments, and having trouble maintaining friendships. Girls and women also may experience difficulty in relationships, impulsivity that results in risky behavior, including sexual activities, and a tendency toward emotional volatility. They are often misunderstood their peers and struggle with anxiety or depression that can co-occur with ADHD, making it even more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
Certain 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. In the end, they don't seek help until after they are struggling to cope in college or at work.
Research has shown that women and girls are often misdiagnosed and not recognized as having ADHD when compared to men and boys. Gender bias, which is typically unintentional, can contribute to this disparity. In particular, females and girls are less likely to be referred for ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms as previously mentioned, or because they present with different symptoms than males.
A woman or girl is less likely to suffer from ADHD being referred to them due to the fact that they are more likely to exhibit 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 may exacerbate their issues by masking the root causes.
The signs of the inattentive subtype of ADHD that are more prevalent in girls and women - are a lack of focus, missing deadlines, or making a mistake at school or work. You are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or the things that occur around you. You also lose track of time while working on tasks. You have trouble sitting still and find it difficult to relax. You aren't able to keep your space or desk tidy and you can easily become overwhelmed in restaurants or stores. You are more likely to forget important dates or events like the birthday of your 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 frequently busy, interrupting others and find it difficult to pay attention to what others are talking about. You have trouble sitting still and may fidget or react on impulse like squirming in your seat or grabbing your hair. You aren't able to manage your emotions, and you may make hurtful or embarrassing comments.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for women and girls with ADHD. A clear diagnosis can help you comprehend the difficulties you are facing and assist you in finding the support and resources you require to feel more in control. A diagnosis can also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women are relieved by their diagnosis, as it provides a reason for the challenges they've been unable to comprehend or blamed on sexist bias, poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical professional will test you for ADHD according to your symptoms and history symptoms, and also by using an inventory of symptoms or a questionnaire to assess the severity of those symptoms. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications to help improve your performance. For instance, your doctor may recommend ways to organize your life, such as planners, post-it notes, and lists, or recommend a medication that will aid in concentration and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD contain stimulants that boost your alertness and attention or non-stimulants that can help you stay focused, without increasing your heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD in women and girls is usually diagnosed later than in males and boys. This is probably due to sexist views and the lack of access to medical care and misinformation about how the disorder manifests itself in females.
The symptoms may change throughout the course of life and can worsen in the midst of, prior to or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to identify and treat girls and women with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity can lead to frustration and misunderstandings with romantic partners, colleagues, or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to meet work or social commitments. They may also have difficulty to complete tasks such as paying bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing household chores. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives and exacerbate emotional difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
The differences between men and women in ADHD are most likely to be due to biological, neurological and environmental factors. Gender refers to a person's status at birth, based on their chromosomes and anatomy, and includes people who identify as females or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls do not get 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 approach to treating ADHD in women and girls is to use a multimodal approach that includes medication, therapy and counseling as well as home and work accommodations and lifestyle plans.
Women and girls with ADHD often have more emotional issues and have a tougher time navigating relationships than boys. They are often misunderstood either by romantic partners or other people. This can lead to frustration as well as feelings of unfairness. They are also at a higher risk of depression and anxiety that are co-occurring.
Often, they have more difficulty obtaining or maintaining a job because of their lack of organization as well as their poor time management and difficulty with executive tasks. They are often unable to form meaningful relationships or maintain them due to social issues and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more self-critical, which can cause them to look for unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol 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 and viloxazine, and Clonidine.
Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. This is a type of therapy that focuses on changing the way an individual thinks and behaves. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is focused on changing the way an individual interprets or responds to situations. It could also include incorporating lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is important to remember that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should be done under the supervision of health professionals.
People with ADHD must have a strong support system that could include friends, family or colleagues as well as mentors. It is also recommended that they participate in support or community groups, since they can provide a safe space to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and offer tips on how to deal with it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also suffer with depression or low self-esteem. They are more susceptible to impulsive, destructive behaviors that could put them and others at risk. These behaviors can include insufficient security measures, drug or alcohol misuse, or engagement in high risk sexual activity.
A medical professional should do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. This includes a person's mental and medical background as well as their mood. The provider will also take a look at the surroundings of the person to determine whether they may be a contributing factor.
There are numerous resources available for people with ADHD, including support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books that can help people manage their condition and find success in life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges girls with ADHD face. "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Improve Focus, Motivation and Performance With or without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers an array of alternative therapies for people with ADHD.
Connecting with inattentive add in women with the same diagnosis can offer a lot of support and empathy. ADDitude magazine’s forum and ADDitude’s parenting group are two of the many websites and social media platforms that offer assistance to those suffering from ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps and day programs that teach organization and executive function skills.
Many adults with ADHD are able to benefit by working with a counselor or coach to develop new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist who is specialized in the treatment of mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, or ADHD. There are apps, like the popular Wunderlist and other software, to monitor their daily activities. There are also a variety of websites offering virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate which allows people to collaborate who are working on the same task so that they can work remotely.