ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD typically have different symptoms than boys. The symptoms include inattention, forgetfulness, and difficulty understanding social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or establish friendships.
Unfortunately, these disparities and an unbalanced treatment referral cause underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in women who are young.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptoms of adhd are difficulty staying organized and forgetting appointments, or paying bills and having difficulty maintaining friendships. Girls and women also may experience difficulty with 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 anxiety or depression that are co-occurring with ADHD which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Some girls and women do not show obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in elementary school or middle school, and then compensate when they enter high school, when academic and social expectations increase. They don't seek help until they experience difficulties in college or at work.
Research shows that girls and women are frequently misdiagnosed or under-identified as having ADHD when compared to boys and men. This is due to gender bias, which could often be not intentional. Girls and women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD or similar disorders, either because they hide symptoms as described above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
Women and girls are less likely to receive referrals for ADHD due to their propensity to show mood or emotional symptoms, like anger, rage, and irritability. They are more likely to be referred for anxiety or mood disorders and to receive inappropriate treatment, which may exacerbate their issues by masking the root causes.
Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD - which is more prevalent in women and girls include trouble staying focused, missing deadlines, or making careless mistakes at work or school. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or other things happening around you, and you frequently lose track of time while working on tasks. It is difficult to relax and you are unable to sit still. You have trouble keeping your room or desk tidy and well-organized. You're easily overwhelmed when you go to restaurants or shops. You are prone to overlook important details or important events, like 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 constantly on the go, interrupt others and are unable to listen to what others are saying. You may have trouble sitting still, fidget in your chair or tuck your hair. You're not able to control your emotions and sometimes make snide, embarrassing or off-color comments.
Diagnosis
For girls and women with ADHD An getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A correct diagnosis can help you understand the issues you face and help you locate the resources and support you need to feel more in control. A diagnosis can also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls find relief in their diagnosis because it gives them an explanation for the issues they've struggled to comprehend, or chalked up with gender bias or poor communication, or their internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care professional can determine if you have ADHD by looking at your symptoms and background as well as using an assessment checklist or questionnaire to determine the severity. They will also ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications that can improve your overall performance. For instance your doctor might suggest organizational methods like planners, post-it notes and lists, or they may suggest a medication to help you concentrate and focus. The drugs used to treat ADHD contain stimulants that boost your alertness and attention as well as non-stimulants to can help you stay focused, without increasing heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD in women and girls is often diagnosed much 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 they can worsen prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat girls and women with ADHD. For example, impulsivity and inattention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings in relationships with romantic partners, friends or colleagues. It can also make it difficult for people to keep up with their work or social engagements. They may also find it difficult to finish tasks like paying bills and finishing work or school assignments, or even doing household chores. This can cause people to feel unhappy with their lives, and may cause emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are likely the result of biological, neurological and environmental influences. Gender refers to the person's assigned status at birth, based on their chromosomes and anatomical features, and includes people who identify as females or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many girls and women are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until they reach adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people understand their symptoms and discover the most effective treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD in women and young girls is to employ a multimodal approach that includes medication, therapy, counseling, home and office accommodations, and lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD suffer from more emotional issues and have a harder time navigating relationships. They might be misunderstood by their romantic partners or other people, which can lead to frustration and the feeling of unfairness. They are also at an increased risk of developing co-occurring anxiety and depression.
In most cases, they have greater trouble finding or keeping jobs due to their lack of organization and poor time management. They also have difficulty with executive tasks. Social difficulties and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical which can lead them to look for unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol 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 the atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) and Clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
Girls and women with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. This is a kind of therapy that focuses on changing the way that a person thinks and acts. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that aims to change the way an individual interprets and responds to situations. It may also involve taking on lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking nutritional supplements. However, it is vital to remember that cutting out foods or supplementing with supplements should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
It is essential for those who suffer from ADHD to have an established support system that includes family members, friends as well as colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they take part in support or community groups, since they can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD and offer tips for managing it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD often struggle to make and keep friendships. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, depression or anxiety. They can be more susceptible to reckless and destructive behavior that could expose them to harming themselves or others. These behaviors 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 should do a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of the symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. This includes the person's medical and mental history as well as mood. The physician will also take a look at the person's surroundings to see if they are a factor.
There are numerous resources available for people with ADHD. These include support groups, websites that offer information and tools, as well as websites that provide information. There are also books to assist people with their condition and find success in their daily lives. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example it addresses the particular issues girls who suffer from ADHD face. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to increase focus, motivation and performance without or with medication" offers a variety of alternatives to treatment.
add symptoms in adult women who suffer from ADHD will find plenty of help and understanding by interacting with other people who share the same diagnosis. A variety of websites and social media platforms offer support for people with ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group. Some organizations also offer summer camps and day programs that help you develop organizational and executive function skills.
Many adults with ADHD could benefit by working with a counselor or coach to learn new techniques for managing their behavior and reach their goals. They can also get assistance from a therapist who specializes in treating people with ADHD or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Some people use apps, like the popular wunderlist and software, to track their daily activities. There are a number of websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It pairs people who have the same job to work together remotely.