ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with ADHD are often afflicted with different symptoms than men. Symptoms such as impulsivity, forgetfulness, and difficulty interpreting social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or make friends.
Unfortunately, these variations and the bias in referral to treatment result in the ineffective diagnosis and treatment of adhd in women who are young.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptoms of adhd include difficulty keeping track of appointments not remembering appointments or making payments, and having difficulty maintaining friendships. Girls and women can also have trouble maintaining relationships, and show impulsivity which can lead to risky behavior which includes sexual activity or be susceptible to emotional turbulence. They can be misunderstood by their peers and struggle with anxiety or depression disorders that co-occur with ADHD making it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Certain women and girls don't display obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, and then they compensate as they enter high school, when social and academic expectations are raised. This is why they don't seek help until they are struggling to cope in college or at work.
Research shows that women and girls are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed for ADHD, compared to men and boys. The gender bias, which is usually unintentional, can contribute to this gap. Particularly, women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed to a specialist for ADHD due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms as mentioned above or they present with different kinds of symptoms than males.
Girls and women also are less likely to receive referrals for ADHD due to their propensity to exhibit emotional or mood-related symptoms, like irritability, rage and depression. They are more likely than men to be referred to a psychiatrist for mood disorders or anxiety, and receive inappropriate treatment that may aggravate their problems.
The symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD - which is more common for women and girls - include difficulty staying focused and rushing deadlines or making mistakes at work or school. You can easily be distracted by your thoughts or other activities happening around you and you can easily lose track of time while doing tasks. You find it difficult to relax and are unable to sit still. You are having trouble keeping your room or desk tidy and neat. You're easily overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or stores. You tend to forget important information or events, such as a 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 and interrupt others, and have trouble listening to what they are saying. You may have trouble sitting still, or twitching in your chair or grab your hair. You aren't able to manage your emotions, and you could make hurtful or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
A clear diagnosis is essential for girls and women with ADHD. A correct diagnosis can help you comprehend the issues you face and help you find the resources and support you require to feel more in control. Additionally, high functioning adhd in women can be a lightbulb moment: many women and girls experience their diagnosis as a relief, giving them an external explanation for problems that they've struggled to understand or chalked up to sexist bias or miscommunication. Or, they blame their own internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical professional can determine if you have ADHD by examining your symptoms and past history and using the symptom checklist or questionnaire to gauge their intensity. They'll also ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that can enhance your performance. For example your doctor may suggest organizational methods like planners, post-it notes and lists, or they may suggest a medication that can aid in concentration and focus. The medications that treat ADHD include stimulants that can increase your alertness and focus or non-stimulants that can help you stay focused, without increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in girls and women than in boys. It is likely that sexist beliefs, a lack of access to healthcare, and a misperception of the way the disorder manifests in females are the main reasons for this delay.
The symptoms can be different across the years, and they can worsen prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to recognize and treat women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity may cause anger and miscommunications with romantic partners, colleagues, or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to meet commitments to work or social obligations. They may also be struggling to complete tasks such as paying bills, completing school or work assignments, or doing household chores. This could lead to a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives, and can exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex differences in ADHD are likely to be the result of neurological, genetic and environmental influences. Gender refers to the gender-specific status that a person gets at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and a variety of other factors. This includes people who identify themselves as women, men or non-binary.
Treatment
Many women and girls are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people better recognize their symptoms and find the best treatment options. The most effective method of treating ADHD in women and girls involves a multimodal strategy including counseling, therapy and medication as well as home and work accommodations and lifestyle plans.
Girls and women with ADHD are often more prone to emotional issues and have a harder to navigate relationships than men. They may be misunderstood by their partners or others, which can lead to anger and feeling of unfairness. They also have a higher risk of having co-occurring depression and anxiety.
Often, they have more difficulties obtaining or keeping a job because of their lack of organization, poor time management and difficulty with executive functions. Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or build meaningful relationships. They tend to be more critical of themselves, which can lead them to seek unhealthy methods of coping like excessive drinking and adolescent 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, viloxazine and Clonidine.
Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. This is a type of therapy that focuses on changing the way a person thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way an individual perceives and responds to situations. It may also involve making lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing foods or taking supplements should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional.
People suffering from ADHD should have a strong support system that could include friends, family or colleagues as well as mentors. It is recommended that they take part in support groups or community groups, as they can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and offer tips on how to manage it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls who suffer from ADHD struggle with creating and maintaining friendships. They might also be suffering from depression or low self-esteem. They can be more at risk for destructive and impulsive behaviors that could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These behaviors can include a lack of safety precautions, drug or alcohol misuse or engaging in sexual activities that are high risk.
A doctor should conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause of the symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. This includes the person's medical and mental history as well as their current mood. The physician will also examine the person's surroundings to see whether they may be a contributing factor.
There are a variety of resources available for people with ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are books that can help manage the condition and help you achieve success in life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example it addresses the particular issues girls who suffer from ADHD face. "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Improve focus, motivation and performance With or Without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers various alternative treatments for people suffering from ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD will find plenty of empathy and support by interacting with other people with the same diagnosis. Many websites and social media platforms offer support for people with ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parent group. Some organizations provide day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizational abilities.
Many people with ADHD benefit from working with a counselor or coach to learn new behavioral strategies and achieve goals in their lives. They can also seek help from a therapist that specializes in treating mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. Many people use apps, such as the popular wunderlist and software, to track their daily activities. There are a number of websites that provide virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate, which pairs people working on the same project to work remotely.