What Freud Can Teach Us About ADHD In Young Women
ADHD in Young Women Women and girls with ADHD may show different symptoms. For example, symptoms like impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it hard to make friends or sustain relationships. Unfortunately, these variations and a bias in treatment referral cause under-diagnosis and treatment of adhd in young women. Signs and symptoms The main symptoms of adhd include difficulty keeping track of appointments not remembering appointments or paying bills, and having difficulty maintaining friendships. Girls and women can also have trouble maintaining relationships, exhibit impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be susceptible to emotional turbulence. They may be misunderstood and suffer from depression or anxiety disorders, which can co-occur along with ADHD. This makes it harder to recognize and treat. Some girls and women don't show conspicuous symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in elementary school or middle school, but they do compensate as they enter high school, when academic and social expectations increase. In the end, they do not seek help until they have difficulty coping in college or in the workplace. Research has proven that girls and women are consistently misdiagnosed and under-identified as having ADHD, in comparison to men and boys. This disparity could be due to gender bias, which can often be not intentional. In particular, females and girls are less likely to be diagnosed to a specialist for ADHD because they tend to camouflage their symptoms, as mentioned above or they present with different kinds of symptoms than males. Women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD due to their propensity to exhibit emotional or mood-related symptoms, such as anger, rage and depression. They are more likely than males to be taken to a psychiatrist for mood disorders or anxiety, and receive treatment that can exacerbate their issues. Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent among women and girls. It manifests as lack of concentration, missed deadlines, or committing a few mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or the events that happen around you. You also lose track of time while doing tasks. You are unable to sit still and find it difficult to relax. You are having trouble keeping your room or desk tidy and neat. You are easily overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or shops. You are more likely to forget important dates or events, for example, birthdays of friends. 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 on the move, you interrupt others and are unable to listen to what they are saying. You have a hard time sitting still and may fidget or act on impulse like squirming your seat or grabbing your hair. You can't control your emotions, and you could make hurtful or embarrassing remarks. Diagnosis For girls and women with ADHD An getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A proper diagnosis will enable you to understand why certain aspects of your life are difficult, and allow you to find the help and resources to help you feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be an “lightbulb” moment. Many girls and women feel relief from their diagnosis, as it provides a reason for the issues they've been unable to comprehend, or chalked up with discrimination against women or poor communication, or their own gender stereotypes. A health care specialist can test for ADHD by examining your symptoms and history and using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to determine their intensity. They can also ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that can help you function better. Your doctor may suggest methods of organization, such as lists, planners, and post-it notes. adhd symptoms in women may also suggest medication that helps you concentrate and focus. The medications that treat ADHD include stimulants that can boost your alertness and attention or non-stimulants that can help you stay focused, without increasing heart rate or 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 misperception of the way the disorder manifests in females are the main reasons for this delay. Symptoms may vary throughout life and may become worse when, prior to, or after hormonal changes. This can cause problems with the diagnosis process and treatment options for women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity may cause frustration and misunderstandings with colleagues, romantic partners or even family members. It can also make it difficult for them to keep work or social commitments. They may also be struggling to complete tasks like paying off bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing household chores. This can lead to feeling dissatisfied with their lives, and can exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression. The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are most likely the result of biological, neurological and environmental factors. Gender refers to the gender-specific 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, men or non-binary. Treatment Many girls and women are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people better understand their symptoms and discover the most effective treatment options. The most effective approach to treating ADHD in women and girls involves a multimodal strategy including medication, therapy and counseling as well as home and work accommodations and lifestyle techniques. Girls and women with ADHD are more prone to emotional issues and have a harder time navigating relationships. They are often misunderstood either by their partners or other people. This can lead to frustration as well as feelings of unfairness. They also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety that are co-occurring. They often have more difficulty finding work or keeping jobs due to their lack of organization, poor time management skills, and difficulties in executive functions (planning, organizing, prioritizing). Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to keep or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical and can cause them to look for unhealthy methods of coping like 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 include atomoxetine, viloxazine and Clonidine. In addition to medication women and girls with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy that is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way an individual thinks and behaves. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which concentrates on changing how 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 remember that removing foods or taking nutritional supplements should be undertaken under the supervision of health care professionals. It is essential for those with ADHD to have an established support system, which can include family members, friends or colleagues, as well as mentors and colleagues. It is also recommended they join support or community groups since they provide an opportunity to talk about the challenges associated with living with ADHD and share advice for managing it effectively. Resources Girls with ADHD have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. They can be more susceptible to destructive and impulsive behaviors that may expose them to harming themselves or others. These behaviors can include insufficient security measures, drug or alcohol misuse or engaging in high risk sexual activity. A doctor must conduct a thorough assessment to determine the cause of the symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. This involves looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, and their current mood. The provider will also examine the person's environment to see if it's a factor. There are a variety of sources for people with ADHD, including support groups and websites that offer information and tools. There are also books that can aid people in managing their condition and find success in their lives. For example, “The Queen of Distraction: How women with ADHD can overcome chaos and Find Focus” by Terry Matlen addresses the specific problems that girls with ADHD confront. “Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Increased Focus, Motivation, and Performance with or without medication” by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers a range of alternative treatments for people suffering from ADHD. Connecting with people with the same diagnosis can offer a lot of support and compassion. Many websites and social media platforms provide support for those with ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parenting group. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organizational and executive function skills. Many adults suffering from ADHD benefit from working with a counselor or coach to learn new behavioral strategies and to achieve their goals in their lives. They can also find help from a therapist that specializes in treating patients suffering from ADHD or mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Some people use apps, such as the well-known wunderlist and software, to keep track of their daily activities. There are a number of websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It connects people with the same task together remotely.