ADHD in Women Adults
Women who suffer from ADHD have many issues. They may have difficulty to manage their everyday tasks, deal with relationship issues and meet social expectations. They may also have difficulty staying focused at work or not remembering appointments.
A recent study looked into the experiences of women who were diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It found that while diagnosis was a relief and helped to make sense of past struggles but it was also often bittersweet.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult may feel like the most important step towards understanding and managing your symptoms. It can help you put a name to the things you struggle with and see them as something that can be dealt with and not something that makes you feel "weird."
Women can have a harder to diagnose themselves with ADHD because they are better at concealing their symptoms. They may resort to conceal their inattention by working late or using tools like planners and phones to track daily tasks. They may also be able to hide their impulsivity by acting quickly to get ahead on projects or make comments in conversations without thinking.
It's important to speak to a mental health professional who has experience working with adults for an assessment. It's also helpful to have a strong group of family and friends to guide you through the process. A mental health professional or health care provider may use standardized behavior ratings scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to evaluate adult symptoms and determine if they meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. A physical examination and medical history are usually part of an adult diagnostic evaluation. Psychological tests are used to determine working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial skills (related to spatiality) as well as reasoning and reasoning skills.
If untreated, ADHD can lead to numerous problems for women. Untreated ADHD can lead to various challenges in women's lives. Some are career-related. For example struggling to hold the job, observing corporate policies, or completing a deadline. This can contribute towards feelings of depression and low self-esteem. Furthermore, women who have ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many people who are not diagnosed for ADHD as adults regret the time they struggled and not being able to pinpoint the reason. They might have struggled with relationships or at work, or they may be carrying a heavy burden of financial stress. Matlen says that when people receive a diagnosis, they often have to go through some grieving and accept what happened in their past. However, she adds that once a diagnosis has been made, people can move forward in a new way with reassurance and hope for the future.
Treatment Options
Women are able to be diagnosed ADHD and treated. They can also receive the assistance they require to manage their symptoms in the workplace, at school and at home.
The key is to recognize the symptoms, which include difficulty organizing and managing time and work and forgetfulness; difficulties in following guidelines or rules; difficulties working with colleagues and classmates, or teachers and impulsive behavior. These problems can have serious consequences for work and school performance, as in relationships and self-esteem.
Certain experts say that the diagnosis of ADHD in girls and women is not widely reported because they are better at masking their symptoms than boys or men. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. Symptoms of these subtypes are simpler to spot in both genders which is why they are more likely to attract attention which leads to being diagnosed.
Counseling or therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms in addition to behavioral strategies. These therapies can help with a variety of symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Certain types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you specific techniques to alter negative thoughts that can lead to problems in your life.
Other treatments, like meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can boost brain functioning by helping you relax down and concentrate your thoughts. They can also help control mood disorders and increase your energy levels. You can also reduce symptoms by getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from asking their coworkers, supervisors or teachers to make accommodations. They can request extra time or more in-depth explanations.
Medications can also be helpful in treating ADHD. Stimulant medications are usually first-line treatments, however non-stimulant drugs could be a viable option.
Some adults with ADHD can manage their symptoms through lifestyle changes, getting the right amount of rest and utilizing technology like ADHD-related smartphone apps. They should also see their doctor regularly and take any prescribed medication. They might also be able to take part in a study known as a clinical trial. It is a research study that explores new ways of treating or preventing diseases.
Support Groups
Women can feel isolated when they are trying to manage the complexities of ADHD. Support groups can help. Certain organizations have forums for people to share their experiences online. Some of these groups might not be supervised by mental health professionals, but they could provide a safe and secure space to share frustrations and brainstorm with others. Some of these groups provide information and tips on dealing with ADHD.
According to a study, women who exhibit symptoms that are mostly inattentional behaviors are less likely to be identified and referred to an evaluation than men who display the same symptoms. This means that they are more likely to go without being diagnosed and experience impairment. Many women also learn to hide their symptoms using tactics like reminders on their phones and routines to satisfy social expectations. These strategies can backfire, causing more stress and anxiety.
It is crucial that women find a doctor with a good understanding of the interaction between gender and ADHD. A seasoned therapist can help women recognize the ways in which they might be attempting to hide their symptoms and internalizing their difficulties. This will help them identify their strengths and increase their self-efficacy.
A diagnosis of ADHD could have a positive impact on how women perceive themselves. A few of the people interviewed in the study said that they felt relieved once they were given the diagnosis. They were in a position to accept their own challenges and felt more confident in their capabilities. Knowing they were not alone helped them to forgive themselves for the mistakes they made in the past and make positive changes in their lives.
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be life-altering. The symptoms can impact their careers, relationships and day-to-day activities. For instance, they could forget appointments or overestimate how long it will take to finish the task. They might have trouble focusing at work or at school and might have trouble managing their finances. Some of these women have difficulty maintaining a relationship or marriage and others are suffering from low self-esteem.
adult adhd in women who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may have difficulty navigating the day-to-day life. They may have trouble with finances, organizing their homes or maintaining healthy relationships. The symptoms can also impact the academic and work performance. If ADHD is untreated, it can negatively impact a woman’s self-esteem as well as her ability to feel successful in her professional and personal lives.
Many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their symptoms are more inattentive than those who are hyperactive or indecisive. This is likely due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions and a lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms can be different from those seen in both boys and men. It is also important to remember that some people, particularly girls, have co-occurring psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression or other physical ailments, including sleep disorders, tics, and fibromyalgia. These can trigger similar symptoms as those of ADHD.
Being diagnosed and treated for ADHD as an adult can be a profound experience that can boost the quality of life of women. It will also help her rebuild her sense of self-worth since she will understand that the issues she is facing are not her fault.
Stimulant medication is generally the first option for adults with ADHD. Some adults may not be able to tolerate stimulants. Non-stimulant medications, such as antidepressants and atomoxetine are available to those who are unable to tolerate stimulants. You should inform your doctor about any supplements or other medications you are taking, since they can interact with certain medications.
A healthcare professional or therapist can teach behavioral strategies that increase productivity and efficiency and also help manage symptoms. They can also help you to deal with any emotional issues that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD benefit from working with a professional or a life coach. They can teach them how to manage daily tasks, set goals and achieve them.
There are increasing efforts being made to comprehend the differences between diagnosis, treatment and gender. This includes making sure that all children are tested for ADHD and that women and girls with the disorder are accurately diagnosed.