ADHD in high functioning adhd in women and girls with ADHD may exhibit different signs. Signs of ADHD include forgetfulness, impulsivity and difficulty in understanding social signals may make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends.
These differences and biases in treatment recommendations result in the incorrect diagnosis of adhd as well as its undertreatment in young women.
Signs and symptoms
Adhd is characterised by the inability to plan as well as a tendency to forget appointments and bills, and difficulty maintaining friendships. Girls and women also may experience difficulty in relationships, impulsivity that can lead to risky behaviors, such as sexual activity and a tendency towards emotional volatility. They may be misunderstood and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders, which may co-exist with ADHD. This makes it harder to diagnose and treat.
Some girls and women don't show any obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) However, they do compensate when they enter high school, where academic and social demands increase. In the end, they don't seek help until they struggle to manage in college or at work.
adhd in women treatment has shown that women and girls are consistently misdiagnosed and under-identified as having ADHD in comparison to men and boys. The gender bias, which is typically not intentional, may contribute to this disparity. In particular, females and girls are less likely to be referred for ADHD due to the fact that they tend to hide their symptoms as mentioned above or they present with different symptoms than males.
A girl or woman is less likely to suffer from ADHD being referred to them because they are more likely to show emotional or mood symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely than males to be taken to a psychiatrist for depression or anxiety and receive inappropriate treatment that can exacerbate their problems.
The symptoms of the inattentive type of ADHD that are more prevalent in girls and women - include difficulty staying focused in the midst of deadlines, or making a mistake at work or school. You are easily distracted by your own thoughts or the events that happen around you. You also lose track of time while doing your work. You find it difficult to relax and you are unable to sit still. You are having trouble keeping your desk or space tidy and neat. You can easily get overwhelmed when you go to restaurants or stores. 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 constantly busy, interrupting others and are unable to listen to what people are talking about. You may find it difficult to sit still, fidget in your chair or tuck your hair. You're unable to control your emotions, and can make snide or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For girls and women with ADHD, getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A proper diagnosis will enable you to understand why certain aspects of your life are challenging and help you find the help and resources that can help you feel more in control. A diagnosis can also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many women and girls are relieved by their diagnosis, as it provides an explanation for the issues they've struggled to comprehend, or chalked up with gender bias or poor communication, or internalized gender stereotypes.
A doctor will test you for ADHD according to your symptoms and previous experiences, and by using a symptom list or questionnaire to determine the severity of the symptoms. They'll also inquire about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that can help you function better. Your doctor may recommend methods for organizing such as planners, lists, and post-it notes. Also, they could suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. Medications used to treat ADHD may include stimulants that can improve your attention and alertness, or non-stimulants, which help you focus without affecting your heart rate and blood pressure.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in women and girls than in boys. It is possible that sexist beliefs, a lack of access to healthcare, and a misunderstanding of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay.
Symptoms can vary throughout life and can become more severe in the midst of, or after hormonal changes. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. For example, impulsivity and inattention can heighten the frustrations and miscommunications in relationships with romantic partners, friends, or colleagues, and make it difficult for people to keep up with their work or social engagements. They may also struggle to complete tasks such as paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, or doing housework. This can lead to feelings of discontent with their lives and may exacerbate emotional issues such as anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex differences in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. Gender refers back to a person's assigned status at birth, based on their chromosomes and anatomy and includes those who identify as females, men, or nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls don't receive a precise diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Getting an early diagnosis will help people better understand their symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options. The most effective method of treating ADHD in girls and women involves a multimodal approach, which includes medication, therapy and counseling in the workplace and at home accommodations and lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD have more emotional issues and have a harder time navigating relationships. They are often misunderstood either by their partners or other people. This can cause frustration as well as a feeling of unfairness. They also have an increased risk of developing depression and anxiety co-occurring.
They often have more difficulty finding work or retaining jobs because of their disorganization, poor time management skills, and difficulties in executive functions (planning and organizing prioritizing). Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to maintain or develop meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical and can cause them to seek out unhealthy ways to cope, such as 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 are atomoxetine, viloxazine, and clonidine.
In addition to medication, girls and women with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy, which is a form of talking therapy that aims to change the way someone thinks and behaves. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which focuses on changing the way the person perceives or reacts to situations. It could also involve lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and 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 care professionals.
People who suffer from ADHD must have a strong support system that could include friends, family as well as colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they join in community or support groups, since they can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and share tips for managing it effectively.
Resources
Girls with ADHD struggle with creating and maintaining friendships. They might also be suffering from low self-esteem or depression. They are more susceptible to destructive, impulsive behaviors that could put them or others at risk. These behaviors can include the lack of safety precautions, drug or alcohol misuse or engaging in sexual activity that is high risk.
A health professional must perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan that is efficient. This involves looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as current mood. The physician will also take a look at the surroundings of the person to determine whether they could be a cause.
There are many sources for people with ADHD, including support groups and websites that offer information and tools. There are also books that can help people manage their condition and be successful in life. For example, "The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos and Find Focus" by Terry Matlen addresses the specific problems that girls with ADHD face. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book "Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to increase focus, motivation, and performance, whether or not you take medication" offers a variety of alternative treatment options.
Connecting with people with the same diagnosis could give a lot of support and compassion. ADDitude magazine’s forum and ADDitude’s parenting group are two of the many websites and social media platforms that offer assistance to people suffering from ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps and day programs that help you develop organizational and executive function skills.
Many adults suffering from 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 such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. There are also apps to help them stay focused on their work like the well-known Wunderlist, as well as software to keep track of their daily activities. There are also a variety of websites that provide virtual collaboration, like Focusmate which allows people to collaborate working on the same project so that they can work from a distance.