ADHD in Women Adults
Women suffering from ADHD have a variety of difficulties. They may struggle with managing everyday tasks, manage relationships issues and meet social expectations. They might 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. The study found that even though diagnosis was a relief and helped to make sense of the past but it was also often bittersweet.
Getting a Diagnosis
It can seem like the first step towards understanding and managing symptoms once you are diagnosed with ADHD. It can help you put a name on your struggles and see that they're something you can manage and not cause you feel "weird."
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, and it can be difficult for them to identify themselves as having ADHD. They may be used to disguise their inattention by working late or using tools like planners and phones to keep track of daily tasks. Or, they might be able to conceal their impulsivity by acting fast to get ahead in the workplace or uttering a few words during conversations without thinking.
For a diagnosis it's essential to talk to a mental health professional who has experience with adults. It's also beneficial to have a supportive family and friends to help navigate the process. A mental health specialist or health care professional may utilize standardized scales for behavior or ADHD symptoms checklists to evaluate adult symptoms and determine if they meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. A physical exam and medical history are commonly part of a diagnostic examination for adults. Psychological tests can be carried out to examine working memory and executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Untreated ADHD can cause a variety problems for women. If ADHD is not treated, it can cause various challenges in women's lives. Certain of them are related to career. For add women struggling to hold a job, adhering to corporate guidelines, or meeting the deadline. This can contribute towards feelings of low confidence and self-esteem. In addition women with ADHD can be more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders like depression and anxiety.
Many adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD regret the years of struggle they endured without knowing the reason. They may have had issues with their relationships, at work, or in financial pressure. Matlen says that when patients receive a diagnosis, they often have to do some grief work and accept the reality of what happened in their past. However, she also says that once the diagnosis is confirmed, they can move forward with renewed hope for the future.
Treatment Options
The positive side is that women can be given an assessment and treatment for ADHD. They can also receive the assistance they need to manage their symptoms at the workplace, at school and at home.
It is important to recognize the signs. These could include the inability to manage and organize time and tasks, forgetfulness, difficulty following rules or procedures, trouble getting to be a good friend with classmates, colleagues or teachers, and an impulsive behavior. These issues can lead to serious issues in school and work performance, self-esteem, and relationships.
Experts believe that women and girls are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are able to hide their symptoms better 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 noticeable for men and boys. This makes them more likely to be diagnosed.
Therapy or counseling can help those suffering from ADHD manage their symptoms in addition to behavioral strategies. These treatments can help with anxiety and depression, among other symptoms. Certain types of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy can help you understand how to change negative thought patterns that can cause issues in your daily life.
Other treatments, such as yoga, meditation and regular exercise, can improve brain function by helping you to calm down and concentrate your thoughts. They can also help manage mood problems and improve your energy levels. Sleeping enough and eating a balanced diet can also help alleviate symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from asking their coworkers or supervisors to provide accommodations. They may ask for more detailed explanations or extra time for assignments.
ADHD can be treated by medication. Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treatment, however nonstimulant medications may also be used.
Some adults with ADHD can manage their symptoms through changes in lifestyle, adequate rest and technology, such as ADHD-assistant apps for smartphones. They should also visit regularly a health care provider and adhere to any medication regimen that is prescribed. They might also be eligible to participate in a clinical study, which is a research study that focuses on new ways to prevent or treat diseases and conditions.
Support Groups
Women often feel isolated when they struggle to cope with the complexities of their ADHD. Support groups can help. There are forums that individuals can meet online and share their experiences. Although some of these forums are not supervised by an expert in mental health They can provide a safe environment to share frustrations and brainstorm solutions with others. Some of these groups have information and tips on dealing with ADHD.
According to a study, females with symptoms that manifest primarily as inattentive behavior are less likely to be recognized and referred for evaluation than males with the same symptoms. They are also more likely to go undiagnosed and also suffer from impairment. Many women have also learned to cover up symptoms employing strategies like reminders on their phones and routines to meet social expectations. These tools can also cause anxiety and stress.
It is crucial that women find an expert doctor who has a thorough understanding of the relationship between gender and ADHD. In addition, an experienced psychotherapist can assist women in recognizing the ways in which they might be attempting to hide their symptoms and internalizing their struggles. In this way, they are able to discern areas of strength and self-efficacy.
A diagnosis of ADHD may have a positive impact on the way women see themselves. A number of women interviewed in the study stated that they felt relieved after receiving a diagnosis. They were able to accept their own challenges and felt more confident about their capabilities. Knowing that they weren't alone helped them let go of their past mistakes and make positive life changes.
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is life-changing. The symptoms can affect their careers, relationships and daily activities. For instance, they may forget appointments or overestimate the time it will take to finish a task. They may have trouble concentrating at school or work or at work, and they might struggle with managing their finances. Some women have trouble maintaining a marriage or relationship and others are suffering from low self-esteem.
Medication
Women with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty navigating the day-to-day life. They may have difficulty managing their financial management, organising their homes, or maintaining healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect academic and work performance. The longer ADHD is left untreated it can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem as well as her capacity to feel successful both in her professional and personal lives.
Home suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their symptoms are less intense or impulsive, and are more inactive. This is likely due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions, as well as the lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms are often different from those seen in both boys and men. It is crucial to remember that some people have co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression or physical illnesses like sleep disorders, tics, and fibromyalgia. These can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Diagnosed and treated for ADHD as an adult is a transformative experience that can boost the quality of life for women. It will also help to restore confidence in herself as she comes to realize that her challenges aren't their own fault.
Stimulant medication is generally the first treatment recommended for adults suffering from ADHD. Certain adults may not be able to handle stimulants. For those who cannot tolerate stimulants, there are other drugs like antidepressants or atomoxetine. It is crucial to report any other medications or supplements you take to your doctor, as certain medications interact with others.
A therapist or healthcare provider can teach you behavioral strategies to improve productivity and organization and also manage symptoms. They can also help you address any emotional issues that could be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from working with a life or career coach. They can help them learn how to manage their daily tasks and set goals, and then achieve them.
While it is still true that girls and women are more underdiagnosed than their male counterparts, there are now more efforts to understand and address the differences between diagnosis and treatment. This involves ensuring that all children are given a screening for ADHD, and that girls and women with the disorder are accurately diagnosed.