ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD may show different symptoms. The symptoms of the inability to focus, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. understanding social cues can make it difficult for them to make friends or sustain relationships.
Unfortunately, these variations and an unbalanced treatment referral cause underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in young women.
Signs and symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of adhd include difficulties staying organized, forgetting appointments or making payments, and having trouble maintaining friendships. Women and girls can also have issues with relationships, impulsivity that results in risky behavior, including sexual activity and a tendency towards emotional instability. They can be misunderstood by their peers and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that co-occur with ADHD which makes it more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
iampsychiatry.uk and women do not show obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle school or in elementary school, but they do compensate when they reach high school, when academic and social expectations increase. As a result, they don't seek help until after they struggle to manage in college or the workplace.
Research shows that girls and women are often not diagnosed and 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 or similar disorders, either because they hide symptoms as described above or because they exhibit different symptoms.
A girl or woman is less likely to suffer from ADHD diagnosed because they tend to show mood or emotional symptoms like irritability or depression. They are more likely to be diagnosed for mood disorders or anxiety and receive inadequate treatment, which could exacerbate their problems by masking the root cause.
Inattentive ADHD is more prevalent in girls and women. It manifests as a lack of concentration, missed deadlines, or making mistakes at school or at work. You can easily be distracted by your thoughts or other activities going on around you, and you frequently lose track of time while doing tasks. You have trouble sitting still and find it hard to relax. You are having trouble keeping your desk or room tidy and well-organized. You're easily overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or stores. You are more likely to forget important dates or events such as your friend's birthday.
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, or twitching in your chair or grab your hair. You're not able to control your emotions, and can make snide or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for women and girls suffering from ADHD. A clear diagnosis can help you understand the issues you face and help you find the support and resources you need 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 an explanation for the difficulties they've been unable to comprehend or blamed on sexist bias or poor communication or their internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care specialist can test for ADHD by looking at your symptoms and background as well as using the symptom checklist or questionnaire to assess their intensity. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that can improve your functioning. For instance your doctor may suggest organizational methods like planners, post-it notes, and lists, or suggest a medication to help you focus and concentrate. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants that improve your attention and alertness or non-stimulants that help you stay focused without increasing blood pressure and heart rate.
ADHD is diagnosed later in women and girls, but not in boys. This is likely due to sexist beliefs, an inaccessibility to healthcare and misunderstandings about how the disorder manifests itself in females.
The symptoms can change throughout life and may become worse when, prior to or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to recognize and treat women and girls with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity and inattention can increase frustrations and misunderstandings in relationships with romantic partners, friends or colleagues. It can also make it hard for them to keep up with work or social engagements. They may also find it difficult to complete tasks such as paying bills, working on school or work assignments, or even doing household chores. This could cause them to be unhappy with their lives, and may cause emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
The sex and gender differences in ADHD are likely to be the result of neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender refers to the gender-specific status that a person is given at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and other variables. This includes people who identify themselves as women or men, or even nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people understand their symptoms and discover the best 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, work and home accommodations, and lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD typically have more emotional issues and have a harder dealing with relationships than males. They are often misunderstood either by their romantic partners or by other people. This can lead to frustration and feelings of unfairness. They are also at an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety that are co-occurring.
They are often more difficult in finding work or keeping jobs due to their lack of organization, poor time management skills and difficulty with executive functions (planning, 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 may lead them to look for unhealthy ways to cope, such as 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 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 seeks to change the way an individual reacts to and interprets situations. It can also include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking nutritional supplements. It is important to remember that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should only be done under the supervision of health care experts.
It is important for people with ADHD to have an established support system which could include family members, friends, colleagues and mentors. It is also recommended that they join support groups or community groups, as they can provide a safe place to discuss the challenges associated with living with ADHD, and share tips on managing it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls who suffer from ADHD often struggle to form and keep friendships. They might also be suffering with depression or low self-esteem. They are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behavior which could put them or others at risk. These can include the lack of safety precautions, drug or alcohol misuse or engaging in high risk sexual activity.
A medical professional must perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and create a treatment plan that is efficient. This includes looking into the patient's medical and mental health history, and the current state of mind. The provider will also examine the person's environment to see whether it's a contributing factor.
There are a variety of resources available to people with ADHD. These include support groups, websites that offer tools and information, and websites that provide information. There are many books that can help you manage the disorder and make it more successful in the world of work. For example, "The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD can overcome chaos and Find 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 boost focus, motivation, and performance, whether or not you take medication" provides a range of alternative treatment options.
Connecting with others with the same diagnosis can provide a lot support and compassion. Numerous websites and social media platforms provide support for people with ADHD including ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group. Some organizations offer summer or daytime programs that teach executive function and organizational skills.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from working with a counselor or coach to learn new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist who specializes in treating mental health issues like depression or anxiety, or ADHD. Many people use apps, like the popular Wunderlist and software, to track their daily activities. There are also a variety of websites offering virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate, which pairs people working on the same project to work via remote.