Five Killer Quora Answers On ADHD In Young Women
ADHD in Young Women
Girls and women with adhd and depression in women may show different symptoms. Symptoms such as 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 the treatment process contribute to the misdiagnosis of adhd and its undertreatment in young women.
Signs and symptoms
adhd symptoms in women adults is characterized by an inability to organize, forgetting appointments and bills, and difficulties maintaining friendships. Women and girls can also have issues with relationships, impulsivity which leads to risk-taking behaviors including sexual activity, and a tendency toward emotional instability. They are often misunderstood their peers and may suffer from anxiety or depression that co-occur with ADHD making it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Some women and girls do not show obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, and then they compensate when they enter high school, where social and academic expectations rise. In the end, they don't seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or the workplace.
Research has shown that women and girls are frequently misdiagnosed or under-identified as having ADHD in comparison to men and boys. Gender bias, which is typically unintentionally, can be a factor in this gap. Girls and women are less likely than men to be recommended to a doctor for ADHD, either because they camouflage symptoms as described above, or because they suffer from different symptoms.
Girls and women also are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD because of their tendency to exhibit emotional or mood-related symptoms, such as anger, rage, and irritability. They are more likely to be diagnosed for mood disorders or anxiety and to receive inappropriate treatment, which can compound their problems by masking the root causes.
The signs of the inattentive subtype of ADHD which is more prevalent in women and girls are a lack of focus, missing deadlines, or making careless mistakes at school or at work. You are easily distracted, either by your own thoughts or the events that happen around you. You also lose track types of adhd in women time when doing tasks. You find it difficult to relax and you have difficulty sitting still. You have trouble keeping your desk or room clean and organized. You can easily get overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. You are prone to forget important information 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 always moving you are constantly interrupting others and have trouble listening to what they are saying. You may have trouble sitting still, or twitching in your chair or tuck your hair. You can't control your emotions and you might make snide or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For women and girls with ADHD An accurate diagnosis is key. A proper diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are challenging, and allow you to get the help and support that can help for women with adhd you feel more in control. Additionally, a diagnosis could be a lightbulb moment that many girls and women are able to experience their diagnosis as an opportunity to feel relieved, and provide them with an external explanation for problems that they've been unable to comprehend or attributed to sexist bias or miscommunication. Or, they blame their own internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care professional can test for ADHD by looking at your symptoms and past history, and using the symptom checklist or questionnaire to assess the severity of your symptoms. They will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications that will improve your functioning. Your doctor might suggest methods for organizing such as planners, lists, and post-it notes. They may also suggest medication that helps you focus and concentrate. The medications used to treat ADHD contain stimulants that improve your attention and alertness or non-stimulants that can help you stay focused, without affecting your heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD in girls and women is typically diagnosed later than in boys and men. This is probably due to sexist beliefs and the lack of access to medical care and misinformation about how the disorder manifests itself for females.
Symptoms can vary across the lifespan and can get worse prior to, during, and after hormonal changes. This can cause problems with the diagnosis process and treatment options for women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity can lead to frustration and misunderstandings with romantic partners, colleagues, or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to meet commitments to social or work. They may also struggle to complete tasks such as paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, or doing household chores. This can cause a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives, and can exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression.
The gender and sex differences in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, biological and environmental influences. Gender is the status that a person is given at birth based on chromosomes anatomy, and a variety of other factors. This includes those who identify themselves as women males, non-binary.
Treatment
Many girls and women are not diagnosed with ADHD until they reach the age of adulthood. Being diagnosed early will help people better understand their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD for women and young girls is to employ multimodal treatment that includes therapy, medication, counseling, work and home accommodations, and lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and a tougher dealing with relationships. They may be misunderstood by their partners or others and this can lead to anger and feeling that life is unfair. They also have a greater chance of suffering from depression and anxiety.
They typically have a harder time finding work or retaining jobs due to their lack of organization and poor time management skills, and difficulties with executive functions (planning, organizing prioritizing). They are often unable to form meaningful friendships or maintain relationships because of social difficulties and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more self-critical which can cause them to look for unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol 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 the atomoxetine (Strattera(r)), viloxazine (Qelbree(r)) and clonidine (Kapvay(r)).
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD could benefit from psychotherapy. This is a type of talking therapy aimed at changing the way an individual thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that seeks to alter the way a person perceives and responds to situations. It could also involve changes in lifestyle, like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. However, it is crucial to remember that removing foods or supplementing with supplements should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
People who suffer from ADHD should have a strong support system, which may include friends, family or colleagues as well as mentors. It is recommended that they join in support groups or community groups, since they can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with adhd in adult women treatment and offer tips on how to manage it effectively.
Resources
Girls who suffer from ADHD have a hard time making and keeping 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 include not taking safety precautions, drinking alcohol or taking drugs or engaging in high-risk sexual activity.
A health professional must perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan that is effective. This includes the person's medical and mental history as well as their current mood. The doctor will also look at the environment around the person to determine if they are a factor.
There are many resources available for people with ADHD such as support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are books that can help manage the disorder and make it more successful women with adhd in the world of work. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges girls with 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 people with ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD will find plenty of support and empathy by interacting with other people who share the same diagnosis. ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group are two of the numerous websites and social media platforms that provide assistance to people suffering from ADHD. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organizational and executive functions.
Many adults with ADHD can benefit by working with a counselor or coach to learn new behavioral techniques and achieve 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. Some people also use apps to keep them focused on their work like the well-known wunderlist, and software to keep track of their daily activities. There are a number of websites that provide virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate which allows people to collaborate working on the same project so that they can work from a distance.