ADHD in Women Adults
Women suffering from ADHD have a variety of difficulties. adhd in young women may find it difficult to cope with daily tasks, deal with relationships issues, and fulfill social expectations. They may also have difficulty staying focused at work and may forget appointments.
A recent study explored the experiences of women who were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. It found that while diagnosis provided a relief and helped in the understanding of past struggles, it was often bitter-sweet.
Making a diagnosis
It can seem like the first step towards understanding and managing symptoms once you're diagnosed with ADHD. It can help you to put a name on your issues and realize that they are something that you can treat as a condition, not something that makes you feel "weird."
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, which is why it can be harder for them to recognize themselves as having ADHD. They might have gotten used to hiding their inattention through working late or using tools such as planners and smartphones to monitor their daily activities. Or, they may be able to conceal their impulsivity by acting quickly to advance an assignment or make remarks in conversations without thinking.
In the event of a diagnosis it is important to talk to a mental health care professional who has experience treating adults. A friendly network of friends and family can also assist in getting through the process. A health care provider or mental health professional may use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to assess an adult's symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. A physical exam and medical history are usually part of a diagnostic assessment for adults. Psychological tests are used to assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual skills (related to spatial space), reasoning and reasoning skills.
If not treated, ADHD can lead to numerous challenges in women's lives. Certain of these are related to work issues, like having difficulty maintaining a job, adhering to corporate policies, or completing deadlines. They can also contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. In addition, women who have ADHD can be more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Many people who are not diagnosed for ADHD as adults regret the time they struggled and not knowing why. They might have struggled with their relationships, at work, or facing financial stress. Matlen says that when people receive a diagnosis they are often required to go through some grieving and accept the reality of what happened in their past. She says, however, that once a diagnosis is made, people can move forward in a new way with reassurance and optimism for the future.
Treatment Options
The positive side is that women can be given an assessment and treatment for ADHD. They can also get the support they need to manage their symptoms at home, work and school.
It is essential to recognize the symptoms. These could include the inability to manage and organize time and tasks, inability to remember, difficulty following guidelines or rules, difficulties getting along with colleagues, classmates or teachers, and uncontrollable behavior. These issues can have severe consequences for work and school performance, as well as relationships and self-esteem.
Certain experts say that the diagnosis of ADHD for women and girls is under-reported because they are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men or boys. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. These symptoms are more apparent in males and females. This makes them more likely to be diagnosed.
Counseling or therapy can help those suffering from ADHD manage their disorder as well as behavioral strategies. These treatments can help with various symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. Certain types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you specific skills to overcome negative patterns of thinking that can lead to problems in your life.
Other treatments, such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can boost brain functioning by helping you relax down and concentrate your thoughts. They can also increase your energy and help you combat mood disorders. You can also reduce symptoms by getting enough rest and eating well.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from asking their coworkers or teachers to provide accommodations. They can ask for extra time or more in-depth explanations.
ADHD can be treated by taking medication. Stimulant medications are usually first-line treatments, however non-stimulant drugs may be a viable option.
Some adults suffering from ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes, adequate rest and technology such as ADHD-assisting smartphone apps. They should also visit their doctor regularly and take any prescribed medication. They might also be able to take part in a clinical trial which is a research study that focuses on new methods to treat or prevent diseases and conditions.
Support Groups
Women often feel isolated when they are trying to manage the complexities of their ADHD. Support groups can help. Some organizations offer forums where people can share their experiences online. While some of these groups are not moderated by an expert in mental health they can offer an opportunity to talk about frustrations and brainstorm solutions with other members. Some of these groups offer guidelines and resources for dealing with ADHD.
According to one study, females whose symptoms show primarily as inattentional behavior are less likely to be identified and referred for evaluation than males who show the same symptoms. This means that they are more likely to remain without being diagnosed and experience impairment. Additionally, many women have learned to cover up their symptoms, using strategies such as reminders on their phones and daily schedules to comply with social expectations. These tools can also trigger stress and anxiety.
It is crucial that women seek out an expert doctor who has a thorough understanding of the relationship between gender and ADHD. Additionally, a skilled psychotherapist can assist women in recognizing the ways in which they might be hiding their symptoms and internalizing their struggles. This will help them identify their strengths and increase their self-efficacy.
A diagnosis of ADHD may have a positive effect on the way women view themselves. Some of the interviewees in the study said that they felt relieved once they received an diagnosis. They were in a position to accept their own challenges, and felt more confident in their capabilities. Furthermore, knowing they were not alone aided them to forgive themselves for their past mistakes and make positive changes in their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of a person's life. The symptoms can impact their relationships as well as their careers and day-to-day activities. For instance, they may not remember appointments or underestimate how long it will take to finish an assignment. They may have difficulty focusing at work or in school and may have difficulty managing their finances. Many of these women have a hard time staying married or maintaining a relationship while others struggle with feelings of low self-esteem and depression.
Medication
Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD have difficulty navigating everyday life. They may have difficulty managing their finances, organizing their homes or maintaining healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect work and academic performance. The longer ADHD goes untreated, the more it can impact a woman's self-esteem and confidence to be successful in her personal and professional lives.
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed because their symptoms are less hyperactive or impulsive, and less attentive. This could be due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions and an inadvertent understanding that female ADHD symptoms often look different from those of men and boys. It is important to keep in mind that some people have co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety or physical ailments such as sleep disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. These conditions can trigger symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD.
Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD in adulthood is an experience of empowerment that can significantly improve the quality of a woman's life. It can also help restore confidence in herself as she comes to realize that the issues she is facing aren't her fault.
Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for adults with ADHD. Certain adults may not be able to handle stimulants. Non-stimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine are available to those who are unable to take stimulants. It is crucial to report any other supplements or medications you take to your doctor, as some interact with certain drugs.
A therapist or a healthcare professional can provide you with strategies to increase your productivity and improve organization and manage symptoms. They can also assist you in addressing any emotional issues that may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. Some people with ADHD get the most benefit from working with an individual life coach or career coach, since they can help them develop skills to manage daily tasks as well as setting and achieving goals.
While it is still true that women and adolescent girls are more undiagnosed than their male counterparts, there are increasing efforts to comprehend and address the differences between diagnosis and treatment. This includes making sure that all children are tested for ADHD and that girls and women with ADHD receive accurate diagnoses.