5 Killer Quora Answers To ADHD In Young Women
adhd in young women (linked resource site)
Girls and women with ADHD typically have different symptoms than men. The symptoms of impulsivity, forgetfulness and difficulty in interpreting social signals can make it difficult to make friends or sustain relationships.
Unfortunately, these disparities and an unbalanced treatment referral contribute to the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of adhd in young women.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of adhd include difficulties keeping track of appointments and forgetting appointments, or paying bills and struggling to maintain friendships. Girls and women may struggle to maintain relationships, show impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be prone to emotional volatility. They may be misunderstood and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that can be co-occurring with ADHD. This makes it more difficult to recognize and treat.
Certain women and girls don't show conspicuous symptoms of attention deficit in women deficit disorder (ADHD) in middle or elementary school, and then they compensate when they enter high school, when academic and social expectations increase. They don't seek help until they are having difficulty coping at college or at work.
Research has shown that girls and women are often not diagnosed and recognized for ADHD as compared to boys and men. Gender bias, which is typically unintentional, can contribute to this disparity. Girls and women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD, either because they hide symptoms as described above or because they have different symptoms.
A girl or woman is less likely to have ADHD diagnosed because they are more likely to show emotional or mood symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely than men to be taken to a psychiatrist for anxiety or mood disorders, and receive treatment that can exacerbate their problems.
Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD that are more prevalent in girls and women - are a lack of focus and rushing deadlines or making a mistake at school or work. You are easily distracted by your own thoughts or the things that happen around you. You also lose track of time while doing your work. You find it difficult to relax and have difficulty sitting still. You aren't able to keep your space or desk tidy, and you are easily overwhelmed in restaurants or shopping. It is easy to forget important events or details, 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 always busy, interrupting others and are unable to listen to what people are saying. You have trouble being still and you may fidget or act on impulse like squirming in your seat or grabbing your hair. You're not able to control your emotions, and can blurt out hurtful or embarrassing remarks.
Diagnosis
For women and girls with ADHD an getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. A clear diagnosis can help you understand the issues you face and help you find the support and resources you require to feel more in control. A diagnosis can be a moment of lightbulb: many women and girls find their diagnosis to be an opportunity to feel relieved, and provide them with an external explanation of the difficulties that they've been unable to comprehend or attributed to sexist bias or miscommunication, or even their internalized gender stereotypes.
A health care specialist can add test for women for ADHD by looking into your symptoms and past history as well as using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to determine the severity of your symptoms. They will also ask questions about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They can recommend strategies and medications that can help you function better. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Or, they may suggest medication that helps you focus and concentrate. The medications that treat ADHD include stimulants that increase your alertness and focus as well as non-stimulants to aid in staying focused without increasing your heart rate or blood pressure.
ADHD is more often diagnosed in girls and women than in boys. This is probably due to sexist views as well as an inaccessibility to healthcare and misunderstandings about how the disorder manifests itself in females.
The symptoms can change throughout life and can worsen in the midst of, prior to or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to diagnose and treat women and girls with ADHD. For instance, impulsivity or inattention can cause the frustrations and miscommunications in relationships with romantic friends, partners, or colleagues, and make it hard for them to keep up with their work or social commitments. They may also struggle to finish tasks like paying bills, finishing school or work assignments, or doing housework. This could lead to a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives, and can exacerbate emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety.
The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, genetic, and environmental factors. Gender is the status that a person gets at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and other variables. This includes those who identify themselves as females or men, or even non-binary.
Treatment
Many girls and women don't receive a precise diagnosis of adhd in men and women until well into adulthood. Getting an early diagnosis can help people recognize their symptoms and determine the best treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD for women and young girls is through a multimodal approach that includes therapy, medication counseling, work and home accommodations, as well as lifestyle strategies.
Girls and women with ADHD typically have more emotional problems and a harder to navigate relationships than men. They may be misunderstood, either by romantic partners or other people. This can cause anger and feeling of unfairness. They also have a greater risk of having co-occurring anxiety and depression.
Often, they have more difficulty obtaining or maintaining a job due to their lack of organization and poor time management. They also have difficulty in executive functions. Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to maintain or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more critical of themselves and can cause them to seek unhealthy methods of coping with stress, including excessive drinking 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 atomoxetine, viloxazine and Clonidine.
Women and girls with ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy. It is a form of talking therapy aimed at changing the way an individual thinks and acts. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which concentrates on changing how a person interprets or responds to situations. It can also include lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising regularly and taking nutritional supplements. However, it is crucial to remember that removing food items or taking supplements should be done under the supervision of a health professional.
People who suffer from ADHD should have a strong support system, which may include family members, friends, colleagues, and mentors. It is recommended that they join in community or support groups, since they can provide a safe environment to discuss the challenges of living with adhd in women and share tips on how to manage it effectively.
Resources
Girls who suffer from ADHD often struggle to form and keep friendships. They may also have low self-esteem, depression or anxiety. They can be more susceptible to impulsive and destructive behaviors which could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These could include the lack of security measures or the misuse of alcohol or drugs or engaging in high risk sexual activity.
A health professional must conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and develop an effective treatment plan effective. This includes looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as their current mood. The physician will also assess the person's surroundings to determine whether it's an influence.
There are numerous resources available for people suffering from ADHD. These include support groups, websites that offer tools and information, and websites that provide information. There are also books to aid people in managing their condition and achieve success in life. "The Queen of Distraction" by Terry Matlen, for example is a book that addresses the particular challenges girls who suffer from ADHD face. "Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Increased Focus, Motivation and Performance With or Without Medication" by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers various alternative treatments for people with ADHD.
People suffering from ADHD will find plenty of empathy and support by connecting with other people who have the same diagnosis. ADDitude magazine’s forum and ADDitude’s parenting group are just two of the many websites and social media platforms that offer support to people with adhd and depression in women. Some organizations also offer summer camps or day programs that teach organization and executive functions.
Many adults with ADHD could benefit by working with a counselor or coach to develop new strategies for coping and achieving their goals. They can also seek help from a therapist who 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 monitor their daily activities. There are a number of websites that provide virtual collaboration, like Focusmate which connects people with the same task so that they can work remotely.