ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit different symptoms. The symptoms of impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty interpreting social cues can make it difficult to make friends or sustain relationships.
Unfortunately, these differences and an unbalanced treatment referral result in the under-diagnosis and treatment of adhd in young women.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of adhd include difficulties staying organized, forgetting appointments or paying bills and having difficulty maintaining friendships. Girls and women can also have trouble maintaining relationships, show impulsivity, which can lead to risk-taking behavior such as sexual activity, or be susceptible to emotional turbulence. They can be misunderstood by their peers and may suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that co-occur with ADHD making it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Some women and girls do not show obvious symptoms of attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) however, they compensate when they enter high school, when academic and social demands increase. They don't seek assistance until they are having difficulty coping in college or at work.
Research shows that girls and women are frequently misdiagnosed or under-identified as having ADHD in comparison to men and boys. Gender bias, which is usually unintentionally, can be a factor in this disparity. In particular, females and girls are less likely to be referred to a specialist for ADHD because they are more likely to camouflage their symptoms, as mentioned above or they present with different kinds of 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 show emotional or mood symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely than males to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety and receive treatment that can exacerbate their problems.
Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls. It manifests as lack of focus, missed deadlines, or careless mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or the events that occur around you. You also lose track of time while doing your work. You struggle to stay focused and find it hard to relax. You have trouble keeping your desk or room tidy and well-organized. You can easily get overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. 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 always busy, interrupting others and find it difficult to pay attention to what others are saying. You may find it difficult to sit still, fumbling around in your chair or grab your hair. You can't control your emotions, and you might make snide or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For women and girls with ADHD An getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A correct diagnosis can help you comprehend the issues you face and assist you in finding the resources and support you require to feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be an "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls find relief in their diagnosis, since it provides a reason for the difficulties they've struggled to comprehend, or chalked up with sexist bias, poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care professional can test for ADHD by looking into your symptoms and history, and using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to determine the severity of your symptoms. They'll also inquire about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that will improve your functioning. For instance your doctor might suggest organizational methods like planners, post-it notepads, and lists, or suggest a medication to help you focus and concentrate. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants that boost your alertness and attention or non-stimulants that help you stay focused without affecting your heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in women and girls, but not in boys. It is possible that sexist views, less access to healthcare and a misperception of the way the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
The symptoms can vary across the years, 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. Inattention and impulsivity may cause frustration and misunderstandings with romantic partners, colleagues or even family members. It can also make it difficult for them to keep commitments to work or social obligations. They may also be struggling to complete tasks like paying bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing household chores. This could lead to feelings of discontent with their lives and may exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression.
The differences between men and women in ADHD are most likely due to neurological, biological, and environmental factors. Gender refers to the person's birth status according to their chromosomes and anatomy and includes those who identify as females or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many girls and women are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people better know their symptoms and determine the most effective treatment options. The most effective way to treat ADHD for women and young girls is through an approach that is multimodal and includes medication, therapy, counseling, home and office accommodations, and lifestyle strategies.
Girls and women with ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and a tougher to navigate relationships. They may be misunderstood, either by their romantic partners or by other people. This can cause frustration and a feeling 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 and poor time management. They also have difficulties with executive functions. They often have difficulty forming meaningful friendships or maintain relationships due to social challenges and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more critical of themselves and this can cause them to seek unhealthy methods of coping like excessive drinking 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, viloxazine, and clonidine.
Girls and women with ADHD could benefit from psychotherapy. This is a type of talking therapy aimed at changing the way an individual thinks and acts. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that seeks to alter the way a person perceives and responds to situations. It can also involve incorporating lifestyle changes, for example, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking nutritional supplements. It is important to keep in mind that removing foods or taking nutritional supplements should be done under the supervision of health professionals.
This Webpage with ADHD must have a strong support system that could include family, friends as well as colleagues and mentors. It is also recommended that they participate in support or community 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 who suffer from ADHD struggle with making and keeping friendships. They may also suffer from depression or low self-esteem. They could be susceptible to reckless and destructive behavior that may put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These are behaviors that include not taking safety precautions, drinking or using drugs or engaging in risky sexual activities.
A health care provider must conduct a thorough assessment in order to determine the cause and create a treatment plan that is effective. This includes looking into the person's medical and mental health history, and the current state of mind. The provider will also examine the person's surroundings to determine whether it's a contributing factor.
There are numerous sources for people with ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books that can help you manage the disorder and make it more successful in everyday life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges 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 an array of alternative therapies for those suffering from ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD can get a lot of help and understanding by connecting with other people with the same diagnosis. Numerous websites and social media platforms provide support for those with ADHD such as ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group. Some organizations offer day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizing abilities.
Many people with ADHD can benefit from working with a professional counselor or coach to develop new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also seek advice from a therapist who is specialized in treating mental health issues such as anxiety or depression or ADHD. Many people also use apps to help them stay focused on tasks, such as the popular wunderlist, and software to monitor their daily activities. There are a number of websites that allow virtual collaboration. Focusmate is one such website. It connects people who have the same task to work together remotely.