Why We Love ADHD In Young Women (And You Should Too!)
ADHD in Young Women Women and girls with ADHD may show different symptoms. Symptoms such as forgetfulness, impulsivity and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult to maintain relationships or make friends. Unfortunately, these disparities and an unbalanced treatment referral contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in young women. Symptoms The main symptoms of adhd include difficulties keeping track of appointments, forgetting appointments or making payments, and struggling to maintain friendships. Girls and women can also have trouble maintaining relationships, exhibit impulsivity, which can lead to risky behavior such as sexual activity, or be susceptible to emotional turbulence. They could be misunderstood or suffer from anxiety or depression disorders, which may co-occur along with ADHD. This makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat. Some women and girls do not show obvious symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) however, they compensate when they enter high school where academic and social demands increase. As a result, they don't seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or in the workplace. Research shows that women and girls are often not diagnosed and recognized for ADHD, compared to boys and men. The gender bias, which is often not intentional, may contribute to this disparity. In particular, females and girls are less likely to be diagnosed to a specialist for ADHD because they are more likely to camouflage their symptoms, as previously mentioned or because they are diagnosed with different kinds of symptoms than males. A girl or woman is less likely to suffer from ADHD being referred to them because they are more likely to exhibit emotional or mood symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely to be diagnosed for anxiety or mood disorders and receive unsuitable treatment, which may exacerbate their issues by masking the root cause. adhd in older women is more prevalent in girls and women. It manifests as lack of focus, missing deadlines, or careless mistakes in school or at work. You are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or the events that occur around you. You also lose track of time when doing your work. You find it difficult to relax and you are unable to sit still. You can't keep your room or desk tidy and you can easily become overwhelmed in restaurants or stores. You are prone to forget important details or important events, like 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 frequently in motion, interrupting others and find it difficult to pay attention to what people are talking about. You may find it difficult to sit still, fumbling around in your chair, or even grab your hair. You are unable to control your emotions, and can blurt out hurtful remarks, embarrassing or off-color. Diagnosis For girls and women with ADHD An accurate diagnosis is key. Getting a proper diagnosis will enable you to understand why certain aspects of your life are challenging, and allow you to get the help and support that will assist you in feeling more in control. A diagnosis can also be a “lightbulb” moment. Many girls and women feel relief from their diagnosis because it provides a reason for the challenges they've been struggling to understand, or chalked up with discrimination against women, poor communication, or their own gender stereotypes. A health care professional can determine if you have ADHD by examining your symptoms and history as well as using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to determine their intensity. They will also inquire about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that will improve your functioning. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists, and post-it notes. Or, they may recommend medication that can help you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD can include stimulants, which can increase your focus and alertness, or non-stimulants, which help you stay on task without affecting your heart rate or blood pressure. ADHD in girls and women is typically diagnosed later than in boys and men. It is likely that sexist beliefs, a lack of 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 may worsen during, before, or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to identify 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 meet commitments to social or work. They may also be struggling to complete tasks like paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, or doing household chores. This could lead to feelings of discontent with their lives and may exacerbate emotional issues such as depression or anxiety. The gender differences between women and men in ADHD are likely to be due in part to neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender refers to the person's birth status in accordance with their chromosomes and anatomical features and also includes people who identify as women males, nonbinary, or men. Treatment Many girls and women do not get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people better recognize their symptoms and find the most effective treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD for women and young girls is to use a multimodal approach that includes therapy, medication, counseling, home and office accommodations, and lifestyle plans. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD typically have more emotional problems and a harder dealing with relationships than males. They can be misunderstood either by romantic partners or other people. This can lead to frustration as well as feelings of unfairness. They also have a greater risk of having co-occurring depression and anxiety. They often have more difficulty finding work or retaining jobs due to their lack of organization in their lives, lack of time management skills and difficulty in executive functions (planning and organizing, prioritizing). The emotional and social challenges can make it difficult for them to maintain or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can lead them to seek out unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol and alcohol consumption. The most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine and viloxazine and Clonidine. In addition to medications, girls and women with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy that is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way an individual thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talking therapy that aims to change the way someone reacts to and interprets situations. It may also involve making lifestyle changes for example, eating a balanced diet regularly exercising and taking nutritional supplements. It is important to remember that removing foods or taking nutritional supplements should only be undertaken under the supervision of health care professionals. It is crucial for people who suffer from ADHD to have a support system in place that includes family members, friends, colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they take part in support groups or community groups, as these can offer a safe place to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and share tips on how to manage it effectively. Resources Girls who suffer from ADHD have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They might also be suffering with depression or low self-esteem. They are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behaviors which could put them or others at risk. These could include a lack of safety precautions and alcohol or drug abuse, or engagement in high risk sexual activity. A health professional must perform a thorough evaluation in order to determine the cause and develop an effective treatment plan efficient. This includes looking at the person's medical and mental health history, as well as their current mood. The doctor will also look at the environment of the patient to determine whether it's a contributing factor. There are many resources for those suffering from ADHD. These include support groups, websites that offer information and tools, as well as websites that offer information. There are also books to aid people in managing their condition and find success in their daily lives. For instance, “The Queen of Distraction: How women with ADHD can conquer chaos and Regain Focus” by Terry Matlen addresses the specific issues that girls with ADHD have to 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 people suffering from ADHD. Connecting with people who have the same diagnosis can offer a lot of help and understanding. ADDitude magazine’s forum and ADDitude’s parenting group are two of the many websites and social media platforms that offer support to people with ADHD. Some organizations provide day or summer programs that teach executive function and organizational abilities. Many people with ADHD benefit from working with a coach or counselor to learn new behavioral strategies and to achieve their goals in their lives. They can also seek help from a therapist that specializes in treating mental health issues like anxiety or depression or ADHD. Some people use apps, such as the well-known Wunderlist and other software, to monitor their daily activities. There are many websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It pairs individuals who share the same job to work together remotely.