The Main Issue With ADHD In Young Women, And How You Can Repair It
ADHD in Young Women Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit different symptoms. The symptoms include forgetfulness, impulsivity and difficulty in understanding social signals may make it difficult to maintain relationships or establish friendships. Unfortunately, these disparities and the bias in referral to treatment contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in women who are young. Signs and symptoms Adhd is characterised by an inability to organize, forgetting appointments and bills, and difficulties maintaining friendships. Women and girls may also struggle to maintain relationships, show impulsivity, which can lead to risk-taking behavior, including sexual activity, or be susceptible to emotional volatility. They may be misunderstood by their peers and may suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD which makes it more difficult to get diagnosed and treated. Some girls and women don't show conspicuous symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, and then they compensate when they enter high school, when social and academic expectations are raised. This is why they don't seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or the workplace. Research shows that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed and not recognized for ADHD in comparison to boys and men. This is due to gender bias, which could often be unintentional. Women and girls are less likely than men to be recommended to a doctor for ADHD, either because they hide symptoms as described above or because they have different symptoms. Girls and women also are less likely to be referred for ADHD due to their tendency to display mood-related or emotional symptoms, such as anger, rage and depression. They are more likely than men to be diagnosed with mood disorders or anxiety, and receive treatment that may aggravate their issues. The signs of the inattentive subtype of ADHD which is more prevalent in girls and women – include difficulty staying focused and rushing deadlines or making mistakes at work or school. adhd symptoms for women are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or the things that occur around you. You also lose track of time when doing tasks. You find it difficult to relax and you have difficulty sitting still. You struggle to keep your desk or room clean and organized. You're easily overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. You're likely to forget important details or important dates, such as the birthday of a 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 on the go, interrupt others and have trouble listening to what people are talking about. You may have trouble sitting still, or twitching in your chair or tuck your hair. You can't control your emotions, and you may make hurtful or embarrassing comments. Diagnosis For women and girls suffering from ADHD, getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A proper diagnosis can help you comprehend the issues you face and help you find the resources and support you require to feel more in control. In addition, a diagnosis can be a moment of clarity: many women and girls experience their diagnosis as an opportunity to feel relieved, and provide them with an external explanation for problems that they've been unable to understand or chalked up to sexist bias or miscommunication. Or, they blame their internalized gender stereotypes. A doctor can test you for ADHD based on your symptoms and previous experiences tests, using the symptom list or questionnaire to gauge the intensity of those symptoms. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications to improve your performance. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Or, they may suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The medications used to treat ADHD may include stimulants which can increase your focus and alertness, or non-stimulants, which can help you focus without affecting the rate of your heartbeat and blood pressure. ADHD is more often diagnosed in women and girls, but not in boys. It is likely that sexist attitudes, poorer access to healthcare, and a misperception of the way the disorder manifests in females are the main reasons for this delay. The symptoms can be different throughout life and can get worse before, during, and after hormonal changes. This makes it difficult to identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. For example, impulsivity and inattention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings in relationships with romantic partners, friends or colleagues, and make it difficult for them to keep up with their work or social commitments. They may also find it difficult to complete tasks such as paying bills and finishing work or school assignments, or doing housework. This can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives and may exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression. The sex and gender differences in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, biological, and environmental factors. Gender refers to a person's assigned status at birth in accordance with their chromosomes and anatomical features and includes those who identify as females males, nonbinary, or men. Treatment Many girls and women don't receive a precise diagnosis of ADHD until they reach adulthood. A diagnosis early will help people better understand their symptoms and find appropriate treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD in young and female girls is to use an approach that is multimodal and includes medication, therapy, counseling, home and work accommodations, and lifestyle plans. Girls and women with ADHD suffer from more emotional issues and a tougher dealing with relationships. They may be misunderstood, either by their partners or other people. This can cause anger and feelings of unfairness. They also have a higher risk of having co-occurring anxiety and depression. In most cases, they have greater difficulties obtaining or keeping a job due to their lack of organization and poor time management. They also have difficulties with executive tasks. They are often unable to form meaningful friendships or maintain relationships because of social difficulties and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more critical of themselves and this can cause them to seek unhealthy methods of coping, such as excessive drinking and adolescent use. 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 are atomoxetine, viloxazine and Clonidine. Women and girls with ADHD could benefit from psychotherapy. This is a kind of therapy that focuses on changing the way that a person thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that aims to alter the way a person reacts to and interprets situations. It could also involve changes in lifestyle, like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. It is important to remember that removing foods or taking nutritional supplements should 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 which could include friends, family members as well as colleagues and mentors. It is also recommended that they join support or community groups as these can offer an environment where they can discuss the difficulties associated with living with ADHD and share advice on managing it effectively. Resources Girls with ADHD struggle with making and maintaining friendships. They may also suffer with depression or low self-esteem. They could be at risk for reckless and destructive behavior that may expose them to harming themselves or others. These include not taking safety precautions, drinking alcohol or taking drugs or engaging in risky sexual activities. A health professional must perform a thorough evaluation to identify the root of the problem and formulate an effective treatment plan effective. This involves looking at the person's medical and mental health history, and current mood. The provider will also examine the environment of the patient to determine if it's a factor. There are many resources for those suffering from ADHD. These include support groups, websites that provide tools and information, and websites that offer information. There are also books that assist people with their condition and find success in life. “The Queen of Distraction” by Terry Matlen, for example it addresses the particular issues girls with ADHD have to face. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book “Natural Treatment for Adult ADHD: Complementary strategies to improve focus, motivation, and performance, whether or not you take medication” provides a range of alternatives to treatment. Connecting with people who have the same diagnosis can provide a lot support and empathy. Many websites and social media platforms provide 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 organizational skills. Many adults with ADHD could benefit by working with a counselor or coach to master new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also get assistance from a therapist who is specialized in treating people with ADHD or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. There are apps, such as the popular Wunderlist and software, to monitor their daily activities. There are a number of websites that offer virtual collaboration, for instance Focusmate, which pairs people with the same task so they can work together from a distance.