ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls with ADHD typically have different symptoms than boys. For example, symptoms like impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult for them to make friends or maintain relationships.
Unfortunately, these disparities and an unbalanced treatment referral cause underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in women who are young.
Symptoms
The most prominent symptoms of adhd include difficulties staying organized not remembering appointments or making payments, and having trouble maintaining friendships. Women and girls can also experience difficulty with relationships, impulsivity which results in risky behavior, including sexual activities and a tendency to emotional volatility. They can be misunderstood and suffer from depression or anxiety disorders, which can co-occur along with ADHD. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat.
Certain women and girls don't show any obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) However, they do compensate when they enter high school, where social and academic demands rise. This is why they do not seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or the workplace.
Research shows that girls and women are consistently under-identified and underdiagnosed for ADHD as compared to boys and men. This disparity can be attributed to gender bias, which can often be not intentional. Girls and women are less likely than men to be referred to a doctor for ADHD due to the fact that they conceal symptoms as mentioned above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
Girls and women also are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD because of their tendency to show mood or emotional symptoms, such as anger, rage, and irritability. They are more likely to receive referrals to a psychiatrist for anxiety or mood disorders and receive unsuitable treatment, which could exacerbate their problems by masking the root cause.
Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD which is more common for women and girls - include trouble staying focused and rushing deadlines or making careless mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or other activities happening around you, and you frequently lose track of time when doing tasks. You struggle to stay focused and find it hard to relax. You have trouble keeping your room or desk tidy and neat. You're easily overwhelmed when you go to restaurants or shops. You are prone to forget important information 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 always on the move and interrupt others, and have trouble listening to what they are saying. You may find it difficult to sit still, fidget in your chair, or even grab your hair. You can't control your emotions and you may make hurtful or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
A precise diagnosis is crucial for women and girls suffering from ADHD. Accurate diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are difficult and enable you to get the help and support that will assist you in feeling more in control. A diagnosis could also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women feel relief from their diagnosis because it provides a reason for the difficulties they've struggled to comprehend or blamed on discrimination against women, poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A medical specialist can test for ADHD by examining your symptoms and past history and using an assessment checklist or questionnaire to gauge the severity. They will also inquire about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that will enhance your performance. For example, your doctor may recommend ways to organize your life, such as planners, post-it notes, and lists, or they may suggest a medication that can help you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD could include stimulants which can increase your focus and alertness, as well as non-stimulants, which can help you stay focused without increasing the rate of your heartbeat and blood pressure.
ADHD in women and girls is often diagnosed much later than it is in boys and men. It is possible that sexist views, less access to healthcare and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females are the main reasons for this delay.
Symptoms may vary throughout life and can worsen when, prior to, or after hormonal changes. This can complicate the diagnosis process and treatment options for women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity may cause frustration and misunderstandings with romantic partners, colleagues, or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to keep commitments to work or social obligations. They may also have difficulty to complete tasks like paying bills, completing school or work assignments, or doing housework. This can cause feeling dissatisfied with their lives and may exacerbate emotional issues such as anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are likely the result of biological, neurological and environmental factors. Gender refers to the gender-specific status a person receives at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and other variables. This includes people who identify themselves as females or men, or even non-binary.
Treatment
Many girls and women aren't diagnosed with ADHD until they reach adulthood. Early diagnosis can help patients better know their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD for women and young girls is to use a multimodal approach that includes therapy, medication counseling, home and work accommodations, as well as lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD often have more emotional issues and have a harder time navigating relationships than boys. They might be misunderstood by romantic partners or others and this can lead to anger and feeling of unfairness. They are also at an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety co-occurring.
They typically have a harder time finding work or keeping jobs due to their inability to organize and poor time management skills, and difficulties with executive tasks (planning or organizing, prioritizing). They are often unable to form meaningful relationships or maintain them due to social issues and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more critical of themselves and this can cause them to seek out unhealthy ways to cope like excessive drinking and substance 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 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. high functioning adhd in women (CBT) is a type of talking therapy that aims to alter the way a person interprets and responds to situations. It can also include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing food items or taking nutritional supplements should be done under the supervision of health care professionals.
It is crucial for people who suffer from ADHD to have a support system in place which could include family members, friends or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. It is recommended that they take part in community or support groups, as these can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and share tips on how to manage it effectively.
The following resources are available to you:
Girls with ADHD often struggle to form and maintain friendships. They may also suffer with depression or low self-esteem. They can be more vulnerable to reckless and destructive behavior that could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These include not taking safety precautions, drinking or using drugs, or engaging in high-risk sexual activities.
A medical professional should conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. This involves looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as the current state of mind. The physician will also examine the environment around the person to determine whether they could be a cause.
There are numerous resources for people suffering from ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books to aid people in managing their condition and find success in their daily lives. For example, "The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD can conquer chaos and Find Focus" by Terry Matlen addresses the specific issues that girls with ADHD have to face. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to increase focus, motivation, and performance with or without medication" offers a variety of alternative treatments.
People who suffer from ADHD will find plenty of help and understanding by connecting with other people who have the same diagnosis. Numerous websites and social media platforms offer assistance for those suffering from ADHD including ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parenting group. Some organizations offer summer or daytime programs that teach executive function and organizing skills.
Many adults suffering from ADHD can benefit by working with a counselor or coach to develop new strategies for coping and achieving their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist who is specialized in treating mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, or ADHD. There are also apps to keep them focused on their work, such as the popular Wunderlist, and software that helps track their daily activities. There are also a variety of websites that provide virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate which allows people to collaborate with the same task so that they can work via remote.