Five Killer Quora Answers On ADHD In Young Women
adhd in young women (full report)
Girls and women with ADHD may show different symptoms. The symptoms of impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it hard to establish friendships or maintain relationships.
Unfortunately, these differences and a bias in treatment referral cause ineffective diagnosis and treatment of adhd in women diagnosis in young women.
Signs and symptoms
Adhd is characterised by an inability to organize as well as a tendency to forget appointments and bills, as well as difficulties maintaining friendships. Women and girls can also have issues with relationships, impulsivity that results in risky behavior, including sexual activities, and a tendency toward emotional volatility. They can be misunderstood by their peers and struggle with anxiety or depression disorders that can co-occur with ADHD, making it even more difficult to be diagnosed and treated.
Certain women and girls don't display obvious signs of attention deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, and then they compensate as they enter high school, where social and academic expectations rise. They don't seek help until they experience difficulties in college or at work.
Research shows that women and girls are frequently under-diagnosed and not recognized for ADHD as compared to males and females. The gender bias, which is typically unintentional, can contribute to this disparity. Specifically, girls and women are less likely to be diagnosed to a specialist for ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms as previously mentioned or they present with different symptoms than males.
A girl or woman is less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD being referred to them because they tend to show mood or emotional symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely to be diagnosed for anxiety or mood disorders and to receive inappropriate treatment, which can compound their issues by masking the root cause.
Attention-deficit ADHD is more prevalent for girls and women. It manifests as lack of concentration, missed deadlines, or careless mistakes at school or work. You are easily distracted by your thoughts or other activities happening around you and you often lose track of time while doing tasks. You are unable to sit still and find it hard to relax. You have trouble keeping your room or desk tidy and well-organized. You're easily overwhelmed when you visit restaurants or stores. It is easy to forget important dates or events, such as your 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 constantly busy, interrupting others and are unable to listen to what people are talking about. You have trouble sitting still, and may fumble or do something out of a sense of compulsion like squirming your seat or pulling at your hair. You're unable to control your emotions and sometimes blurt out hurtful 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 help you get the help and support that can help you feel more in control. A diagnosis could also be a "lightbulb" moment. Many girls and women are relieved by their diagnosis because it provides a reason for the difficulties they've been struggling to understand, or chalked up with discrimination against women or poor communication or internalized gender stereotypes.
A doctor can test you for ADHD by analyzing your symptoms and previous experiences tests, using a symptom list or questionnaire to determine the severity of those symptoms. They can also ask you questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can suggest strategies and medications that will help you function better. Your doctor may suggest methods of organization, such as planners, lists, and post-it notes. Also, they could suggest a medication that helps you focus and concentrate. The medications used to treat ADHD could include stimulants which can boost your attention and alertness, as well as non-stimulants, which can help you stay focused without increasing your heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD in girls and women is typically diagnosed later than in men and boys. This delay is likely due to sexist beliefs, an inaccessibility to health care and misperceptions about how the disorder manifests in females.
The symptoms can be different across the years, and they can worsen before, during, and after hormonal changes. This makes it difficult to recognize and treat women and girls with adhd for adult women. Inattention and impulsivity can lead to confusion and frustration with romantic partners, colleagues or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to keep commitments to social or work. They might also have a difficult time to complete tasks like paying bills and completing school or work assignments, or doing housework. This could lead to feeling dissatisfied with their lives, and can exacerbate emotional issues such as depression or anxiety.
The sex and gender differences in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, biological and environmental influences. Gender refers back to a person's birth status according to their chromosomes and anatomy and includes those who identify as women or men, as well as nonbinary.
Treatment
Many women and girls don't receive a precise diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Being diagnosed early can help people understand their symptoms and identify appropriate treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD in women and young girls is to use multimodal treatment that includes medication, therapy, counseling, home and office accommodations, as well as lifestyle strategies.
Women and girls with ADHD have more emotional issues and have a harder dealing with relationships. They can be misunderstood or criticized by their romantic partners or other people and this can lead to frustration and a feeling of unfairness. They also have a higher chance of developing co-occurring depression and anxiety.
They typically have a harder time finding work or maintaining jobs due to their lack of organization in their lives, lack of time management skills, and difficulties with executive functions (planning, organizing, prioritizing). They are often unable to form meaningful relationships or maintain them due to social issues and emotional dysregulation. They tend to be more self-critical which can cause them to seek out unhealthy ways of coping with stress, including 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)).
In addition to medications for women and girls, those with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy that is a type of therapy that seeks to change the way an individual thinks and behaves. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that seeks to alter the way a person perceives and responds to situations. It could also involve lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, and taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that cutting out foods or taking supplements should only be done under the supervision of a medical professional.
It is essential for those who suffer from ADHD to have an established support system which could include family members, friends as well as colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they join in support or community groups, as these can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD add and adhd in women share advice on how to manage it effectively.
Resources
Girls who suffer from ADHD often struggle to form and keep friendships. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety. They are vulnerable to destructive and impulsive behaviors which could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These can include insufficient security measures and alcohol or drug abuse or engaging in high risk sexual activity.
A medical professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan that is effective. This includes the person's medical and mental background as well as their mood. The doctor will also look at the environment of the patient to determine whether it's a contributing factor.
There are numerous sources for people with ADHD, including support groups and websites that offer information and tools. There are many books that can help you manage the condition and achieve success in everyday life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges girls with ADHD face. Stephanie Sarkis's doctoral book "Natural Treatment for adult add women ADHD: Complementary strategies to improve focus, motivation, and performance with or without medication" provides a variety of alternative treatments.
People suffering from ADHD can find a lot of help and understanding by connecting with other people who share the same diagnosis. A variety of websites and social media platforms offer support for people with ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and ADDitude's parenting group. Some organizations also offer summer camps and day programs that teach organizational and executive functions.
Many adults with ADHD benefit from working with a coach or counselor to learn new ways of coping and reach their goals in their lives. They can also seek help from a therapist that specializes in the treatment of mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression or ADHD. Many people use apps, like the popular Wunderlist and software, to keep track of their daily activities. There are a number of websites that provide virtual collaboration, such as Focusmate, which pairs people who are working on the same task so that they can work from a distance.