peaceperch0

ADHD in Young Women Women and girls with ADHD are often afflicted with different symptoms than boys. For example, symptoms like inattention, forgetfulness, and difficulty understanding social cues can make it difficult for them to establish friendships or maintain relationships. Unfortunately, these variations and an unbalanced treatment referral contribute to the ineffective diagnosis and treatment of adhd in young women. Signs and symptoms Adhd is characterised by a lack of organization as well as a tendency to forget appointments and bills, and difficulty maintaining friendships. Women and girls may also have trouble maintaining relationships, show impulsivity, which could lead to risk-taking behaviors, including sexual activity, or be susceptible to emotional instability. They could be misunderstood or suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that can co-occur along with ADHD. This makes it more difficult to recognize and treat. Some girls and women do not show obvious symptoms of attention-deficit disorders (ADHD) however, they make up for it when they start high school, where academic and social demands increase. In the end, they don't seek help until after they struggle to manage in college or the workplace. Research has proven that girls and women are consistently misdiagnosed and under-identified as having ADHD when compared to boys and men. This is due to gender bias, which could often be unintentional. Specifically, girls and women are less likely to receive a diagnosis for ADHD because they tend to hide their symptoms as described above, or because they present with different symptoms than males. Girls and women also are less likely to be diagnosed for ADHD due to their tendency to display mood-related or emotional symptoms, such as anger, rage, and irritability. They are more likely to be diagnosed for anxiety or mood disorders and receive inadequate treatment, which could exacerbate their problems by masking the root causes. Symptoms of the inattentive subtype of ADHD that are more common for women and girls – include trouble staying focused and rushing deadlines or making a mistake at work or school. You are easily distracted by thoughts or other things happening around you, and you frequently lose track of time when doing your work. You have trouble sitting still and find it hard to relax. You are having trouble keeping your room or desk tidy and well-organized. You can easily get overwhelmed when you visit stores or restaurants. You're likely to forget important information or important dates, such as 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 in motion, interrupting others and are unable to listen to what others are saying. You might have difficulty sitting still, fumbling around in your chair or grab your hair. You aren't able to control your emotions, and you may make hurtful or embarrassing comments. Diagnosis A precise diagnosis is crucial for girls and women with ADHD. A proper diagnosis will help you understand why some aspects of your life are difficult, and allow you to find the help and resources that will make you feel more in control. A diagnosis can 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 of the difficulties that they have long struggled to understand or chalked up to sexist biases or miscommunication, or even their internalized gender stereotypes. A medical specialist can test for ADHD by examining your symptoms and past history and using an assessment checklist or questionnaire to determine the severity. They'll also inquire about how your symptoms impact your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that can enhance your performance. Your doctor may recommend methods of organization, such as planners, lists and post-it notes. Or, they may suggest a medication that helps you concentrate and focus. Medications used to treat ADHD can include stimulants, that can improve your attention and alertness, or non-stimulants, which help you stay focused without affecting the rate of your heartbeat and blood pressure. ADHD in women and girls is typically diagnosed later than males and boys. It is possible that sexist beliefs, a lack of access to healthcare and a misperception of the way the disorder manifests in females can contribute to this delay. The symptoms can change throughout life and may worsen in the midst of, prior to, or after hormonal changes. This can make it difficult to identify and treat women and girls with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity may cause anger and miscommunications with colleagues, romantic partners or friends. It can also make it difficult for them to meet work or social commitments. They might also have difficulty to complete tasks such as paying bills and finishing work or school assignments, or doing housework. This can cause feeling dissatisfied with their lives and exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression. The gender and sex differences in ADHD are likely to be the result of neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender refers to a person's birth status according to their chromosomes as well as their anatomy and includes those who identify as women, men, or nonbinary. Treatment Many girls and women are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until well into adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people recognize their symptoms and find the best treatment options. The most effective method to treat ADHD in women and young girls is to use a multimodal approach that includes medication, therapy counseling, home and work accommodations, and lifestyle strategies. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often more prone to emotional issues and have a tougher to navigate relationships than men. They are often misunderstood either by romantic partners or other people. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of unfairness. They also have a higher risk of depression and anxiety that are co-occurring. They typically have a harder time finding work or keeping jobs due to their lack of organization, poor time management skills and difficulty with executive tasks (planning or organizing prioritizing). Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to maintain or build meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can cause them to seek out unhealthy ways of coping like excessive drinking and drug 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 the atomoxetine (Strattera®) and viloxazine (Qelbree®) and Clonidine (Kapvay®). In addition to medications women and girls with ADHD can benefit from psychotherapy which is a type of therapy for talking that aims to change the way an individual thinks and behaves. This could include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is focused on changing the way an individual interprets or responds to situations. It can also include changes in lifestyle, like exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and taking nutritional supplements. It is crucial to remember that removing foods or taking supplements should be done under the supervision of a medical professional. People with ADHD need a solid support system. This could include family, friends as well as colleagues and mentors. It is recommended that they join in support groups or community groups, since they can offer a safe place to discuss the challenges of living with ADHD and offer tips for managing it effectively. Resources Girls with ADHD have difficulty making and keeping friendships. They might also be suffering with depression or low self-esteem. They can be more vulnerable to destructive and impulsive behaviors that could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These behaviors can include insufficient security measures, drug or alcohol misuse or engaging in high risk sexual activity. attention deficit in women should conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and create an effective treatment plan. This involves looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, as well as current mood. The physician will also examine the surroundings of the person to determine whether they could be a cause. There are numerous sources for people with ADHD, including support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books that can help manage the condition and achieve success in everyday life. “The Queen of Distraction” by Terry Matlen, for example, addresses the specific challenges girls who suffer from 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 with ADHD. People with ADHD can find a lot of help and understanding by interacting with other people who share the same diagnosis. Numerous websites and social media platforms provide assistance for those suffering from ADHD, including ADDitude magazine's forum and the ADDitude parent group. Some organizations also offer summer camps and day programs that teach organization and executive functions. Many adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from working with a counselor or coach to develop new behavioral techniques and achieve their goals. They can also seek assistance from a therapist that specializes in treating mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. Some people also use apps to keep them focused on their work, such as the popular wunderlist, and software to track their daily activities. There are many websites that allow virtual collaboration. Focusmate is one such website. It allows two people who have the same task to work together remotely.