ADHD in Young Women
Women and girls with ADHD often exhibit different symptoms than men. For example, symptoms like impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult to make friends or sustain relationships.
Unfortunately, these differences and the bias in referral to treatment contribute to the under-diagnosis and treatment of adhd in young women.
Signs and symptoms
Adhd is characterized by a lack of organization as well as a tendency to forget appointments and bills, and difficulties maintaining friendships. Women and girls may also have difficulty maintaining relationships, show impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors, including sexual activity, or be prone to emotional turbulence. They are often misunderstood their peers and struggle with depression or anxiety disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, making it even more difficult to get diagnosed and treated.
Certain women and girls don't show conspicuous symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in elementary school or middle school, and then compensate as they enter high school, where social and academic expectations rise. They don't seek help until they experience difficulties at college or at work.
Research shows that girls and women are frequently under-diagnosed and not recognized for ADHD in comparison to boys and men. Gender bias, which is often unintentionally, can be a factor in this disparity. Specifically, girls and women are less likely to be diagnosed to a specialist for ADHD due to the fact that they tend to conceal their symptoms, as mentioned above or because they are diagnosed with different types of symptoms than males.
Girls and women also are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD due to their propensity to exhibit emotional or mood-related symptoms, like anger, rage and depression. They are more likely than males to be referred to a psychiatrist for depression or anxiety and receive treatment that can exacerbate their problems.
Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD - which is more common in girls and women - are a lack of focus in the midst of deadlines, or making careless mistakes at school or at work. You are easily distracted by thoughts or other things going on around you, and you often lose track of time when doing tasks. You find it difficult to relax and you have difficulty sitting still. You have trouble keeping your desk or space clean and organized. You are easily overwhelmed when you go to 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 constantly on the go, interrupt others and are unable to listen to what people are talking about. You have trouble being still and you may fidget or act on impulse like squirming in your seat or grabbing your hair. You're unable to control your emotions, and can make snide or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For girls and women with ADHD An accurate diagnosis is key. Getting a proper diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are challenging and enable you to find the help and resources that can make you feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls are relieved by their diagnosis, since it provides a reason for the challenges they've struggled to comprehend, or chalked up with gender bias or poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care provider will test you for ADHD based on your symptoms and past, and by using the symptom list or questionnaire to gauge the intensity of the symptoms. They'll also ask questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They may suggest methods and medications to help improve your functioning. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Or, adult adhd in women may suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD may include stimulants that can improve your attention and alertness, as well as non-stimulants that help you focus without affecting the rate of your heartbeat and blood pressure.
ADHD is diagnosed later in women and girls, but not in boys. It is possible that sexist views, less access to healthcare and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
The symptoms can change throughout life and can worsen in the midst of, prior to or after hormonal changes. This can cause problems with the diagnosis process and treatment options for women and girls with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity or inattention can increase tensions and misunderstandings with romantic partners, friends or colleagues, and make it hard for them to keep up with their work or social obligations. They may also struggle to complete tasks such as paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing housework. This could cause them to feel dissatisfied with their lives, and may cause emotional problems like anxiety or depression.
The sex and gender differences in ADHD are likely the result of neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender is the assigned status that a person gets at birth based on chromosomes anatomy, and other variables. This includes those who identify themselves as women, men or non-binary.
Treatment
Many women and girls do not get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people know their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective method of treating ADHD for girls and women involves a multimodal approach, which includes counseling, therapy and medication in the workplace and at home accommodations and lifestyle plans.
Women and girls with ADHD typically have more emotional issues and have a tougher dealing with relationships than males. They may be misunderstood, either by their partners or other people. This can lead to frustration and feeling of unfairness. They are also at a higher risk of depression and anxiety that are co-occurring.
They typically have a harder time finding work or retaining jobs due to their inability to organize in their lives, lack of time management skills, and difficulties in executive functions (planning or organizing prioritizing). The emotional and social challenges can make it difficult for them to keep or build meaningful relationships. They tend to be more critical of themselves and can cause them to seek out unhealthy ways to cope 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.
In addition to medications for women and girls, those with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy which is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way someone thinks and behaves. This could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which is focused on changing the way the person perceives or reacts to situations. It may also involve incorporating lifestyle changes, for example, eating a balanced diet regularly exercising and taking nutritional supplements. However, it is important to note that cutting out foods or taking supplements should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
It is essential for those with ADHD to have a system of support in place that includes family members, friends or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. It is also recommended that they join community or support groups as these can offer an opportunity to talk about the challenges of living with ADHD, and share tips for managing it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD often struggle to make and maintain friendships. They may also have low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. They may be more prone to destructive, impulsive behavior which could put them or others at risk. These can include insufficient safety precautions or the misuse of alcohol or drugs, or engagement in sexual activity that is high risk.
A doctor should do a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan. This includes the person's medical and mental background as well as their current mood. The physician will also take a look at the person's surroundings to see whether they could be a cause.
There are a variety of resources for people suffering from ADHD such as support groups and websites that offer information and tools. There are also books to assist people with their condition and find success in their lives. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example is a book that addresses the particular challenges girls with ADHD confront. Stephanie Sarkis's PhD book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to improve focus, motivation, and performance with or without medication" offers a variety of alternative treatments.
People with ADHD will find plenty of help and understanding by interacting with other people who have the same diagnosis. Numerous websites and social media platforms provide support for people with ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parent group. Some organizations offer day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizational skills.
Many adults with ADHD can benefit from working with a counselor or coach to master new techniques for managing their behavior and reach their goals. They can also find help from a therapist that specializes in treating people with ADHD or mental health issues like anxiety or depression. There are also apps to keep them focused on their tasks like the well-known Wunderlist, as well as software to monitor their daily activities. There are numerous websites that allow virtual collaboration. Focusmate is one such website. It pairs individuals who share the same task together via remote.