ADHD in Women Adults
Women suffering from ADHD have a variety of issues. They may have difficulty managing daily tasks, cope with relationships issues and meet social expectations. They might also have trouble staying focused at work and may forget appointments.
A recent study looked into the experiences of women who were diagnosed with ADHD as adults. The study found that even though diagnosis brought relief and helped make sense of past struggles, it was often bitter-sweet.
Finding a Diagnostic
It could be the first step in understanding and managing symptoms when you are diagnosed with ADHD. It can help you to give a name to the things you struggle with and view them as something that can be addressed and not something that makes you "weird."
Women can have a harder to diagnose themselves with ADHD because they are generally more adept at hiding their symptoms. They may be used to disguising inattentiveness by working late or using devices like planners and smartphones to keep track of their daily tasks. They might also be able to conceal their impulsivity if they act quickly to speed up projects or make comments in conversations without thinking.
If you're diagnosed, it's important to consult an expert in mental health who has experience working with adults. A friendly network of friends and family can also assist in getting through the process. A mental health professional or health care provider may utilize standardized scales for behavior or ADHD symptoms checklists to evaluate adult symptoms and determine if they satisfy the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. A physical examination and medical history are typically part of an adult diagnostic evaluation. Psychological tests can be conducted to look at working memory and executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial (related to space), and reasoning skills.
Untreated ADHD can cause a variety problems in the lives of women. Certain of these are related to work problems, such as difficulty maintaining a job, adhering to corporate policies, or meeting deadlines, and can contribute to feelings of low self-esteem and lack of confidence. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
Many people who go undiagnosed for ADHD as adults regret the years they spent struggling and not knowing why. They may have had issues with their relationships, at work or facing financial stress. Matlen states that people usually have to acknowledge their past and engage in grief work after receiving a diagnosis. However, she also says that once the diagnosis is made and they are able to move on with a new outlook on the future.
Treatment Options
The positive side is that women can be given an assessment and treatment for ADHD. attention deficit in women can also receive the help they require to manage their symptoms at home, work and at school.
It is important to be aware of the signs. These include inability to organize and manage time and work, forgetfulness, difficulty following the rules or procedures, difficulty getting along with colleagues, classmates or teachers, as well as uncontrollable behavior. These issues can have severe consequences for school and job performance, as in relationships and self-esteem.
Some experts say that the diagnosis of ADHD for women and girls is under-reported due to the fact that they are better at masking their symptoms than males or boys. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. The symptoms of these subtypes are more easy to detect in boys and men which is why they are more likely to be noticed that can lead to the diagnosis.
Therapy or counseling can help those suffering from ADHD manage their disorder as well as behavioral strategies. These treatments can help with depression and anxiety, among other symptoms. Certain kinds of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach you specific skills to change negative thoughts that can cause problems in your life.
Other treatments like meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help improve your brain's function by helping to calm down and concentrate on your thoughts. They can also boost your energy levels and help manage mood disorders. Sleeping enough and eating healthy food can help alleviate symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from asking colleagues or teachers to make accommodations. They may ask for more detailed explanations or additional time to complete their assignments.
ADHD can be treated by taking medication. Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treatment, but nonstimulant drugs can also be used.
Some adults with ADHD can manage their symptoms through changes in lifestyle, adequate rest and technology such as ADHD-assisting smartphone applications. They should also regularly visit an expert in health care and adhere to any medication regimen prescribed. They may also be able to take part in a clinical study, which is a research study that seeks to discover new ways to prevent or treat ailments and diseases.
Support Groups
Women can feel isolated when trying to deal with the complexities of ADHD. Support groups can help. Some organizations offer forums where people can share their experiences online. Some of these groups might not be supervised by mental health professionals, but they can offer a safe place to share frustrations and brainstorm with others. Some of these groups provide information and tips on dealing with ADHD.
According to a study, females who have symptoms that are predominantly inattentional behaviors are less likely to be identified and referred to an assessment than men who exhibit similar symptoms. They are also more likely to be undiagnosed and also suffer from impairment. Many women also learn to hide their symptoms employing strategies like reminders on their phones and routines to meet social expectations. These strategies can also backfire, causing more anxiety and stress.
It is crucial for women to find an expert in the field who can understand the ways in which gender and ADHD interact. In addition, an experienced psychotherapist can assist women in recognizing the ways they may be hiding their symptoms and internalizing their difficulties. This way, they are able to discern areas of strength and self-efficacy.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can positively impact how women view themselves. Many of the women who were interviewed in the study reported they felt relieved after receiving an diagnosis. They were able to accept their own struggles, and felt more confident in their capabilities. Knowing they were not alone helped them to accept their past mistakes and make positive life changes.
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is life-changing. The symptoms can affect their relationships, careers and everyday activities. For instance, they may not remember appointments or underestimate how long it will take to complete a task. They may struggle to concentrate at school or work, and they may struggle with managing their finances. Many of these women report having a difficult keeping their marriage or maintaining relationships while others struggle with low self-esteem and depression.
Medication
Women with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty navigating everyday life. They may have difficulty managing their finances, keeping their home tidy or maintaining a healthy relationship with their partner. The symptoms can also impact the academic and work performance. The longer ADHD is not treated, the more it can affect a woman's self-esteem as well as her confidence to be successful in both her professional and personal lives.
Many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their symptoms are less intense or impulsive and more inattentive. This is due to outdated diagnostic criteria, assumptions and the lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms are usually different from those of men and boys. It is important to remember that some people have co-occurring illnesses like anxiety, depression, or physical ailments like sleep disorders, tics, and fibromyalgia. These may cause symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD.
Diagnosed and treated for ADHD as an adult is a powerful experience that can boost a woman’s quality of living. It can also help restore confidence in herself as she comes to realize that the issues she is facing aren't the result of her own fault.
Adults suffering from ADHD tend to be treated first with stimulant medications. However, for certain adults, stimulants may not be the right option. For those who cannot tolerate stimulants, there are alternative medications like antidepressants and atomoxetine. It is crucial to report any other supplements or medications you take to your physician, since some interact with certain drugs.
A therapist or health care provider can provide strategies for coping with stress that increase productivity and organization and also help manage symptoms. They can also work with you to deal with any emotional issues that might be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. Some people who suffer from ADHD find benefit from working with a career coach or life coach, because they can teach them skills to manage their daily tasks and setting and achieving goals.
While it is true that women and adolescent girls are more undiagnosed than their male counterparts, there are increasing efforts to comprehend and address the differentiators in diagnosis and treatment. This includes making sure that all children are screened for ADHD and that women and girls with the disorder are accurately diagnosed.