ADHD in Women Adults
Women with ADHD face a number of issues. They may struggle with managing everyday tasks, deal with problems with relationships and to meet societal expectations. They might also have trouble staying focused at work and forget appointments.
A recent study looked into the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD as adults. It found that while diagnosis provided a relief and helped to make sense of the past but it was also often bittersweet.
Getting a Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult may be a daunting step in understanding and addressing your symptoms. It can help you to put a name on your struggles and see that they are something that you can treat as a condition, not something that makes you "weird."
Women may have a tougher time diagnosing themselves with ADHD since they tend to be better at concealing their symptoms. They might have gotten used to hiding their inattentiveness through working late or using tools such as planners and smartphones to keep track of their daily tasks. They might also be able hide their impulsivity by acting quickly to advance projects or make comments in conversations without thinking.
It's important to speak to an expert in mental health who has experience working with adults for diagnosis. It's also helpful to have a support group of friends and family members to help navigate the process. A health care provider or mental health professional may use standardized behavior rating scales or ADHD symptom checklists to assess an adult's symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. A physical exam and medical history are also usually part of a diagnostic assessment for adults. Psychological tests are used to determine working memory, executive function (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities (related to spatiality) as well as reasoning and reasoning abilities.
If untreated, ADHD can lead to a variety of problems for women. If ADHD is not treated, it can cause a variety of issues for women. Certain of them are related to career. For example being unable to keep the job, observing corporate policies, or meeting the deadline. This can cause feelings of low confidence and self-esteem. Additionally women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from comorbid disorders like anxiety and depression.
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 under financial stress. Matlen states that people usually have to acknowledge their past and perform grief work after receiving a diagnosis. But, she adds that once the diagnosis is in hand and they are able to move on with a new outlook on a better future.
Treatment Options
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. They can also receive the assistance they need to manage their symptoms in school, at work, and at home.
The key is to recognize the signs problems, which can include difficulty organising and managing time and tasks forgetfulness; difficulty adhering to guidelines or rules; difficulties working with colleagues, teachers or classmates and the tendency to be impulsive. These problems can cause serious problems with school and work performance, self-esteem, and relationships.
Some experts say that the diagnosis of ADHD for women and girls is under-reported because they are more adept at hiding their symptoms than males or boys. They are also less likely to be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes of the disorder. Symptoms of these subtypes are easier to notice in men and boys and are therefore more likely to attract attention which leads to a diagnosis.
In addition to the behavioral strategies, many people suffering from ADHD discover that counseling or therapy helps to manage their condition. These therapies can help with various symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Certain kinds of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn specific skills to overcome negative thinking patterns that can lead to problems in your life.
Other treatments like meditation, yoga and regular exercise can boost your brain function by helping to calm down and concentrate on your thoughts. They can also improve your energy levels and help combat mood disorders. You can also ease symptoms by getting enough sleep and eating well.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from asking their co-workers or supervisors to accommodate their needs. They can ask for extra time or more detailed explanations.
ADHD can be treated by taking medication. Stimulant medications are usually first-line treatments, but non-stimulant medications might be a possibility.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms by making lifestyle adjustments, getting the proper amount of rest and using technology, such as ADHD-related smartphone apps. They should also see their doctor regularly and take any prescribed medication. They might also be eligible to participate in a clinical trial which is a type of research study that explores new methods to treat or prevent ailments and diseases.
Support Groups
Women can feel isolated when they are trying to manage the complexity of ADHD. Support groups can help. Some organizations provide forums where people can connect online and share their experiences. Some of these groups might not be moderated by mental health experts, but they do provide a safe space to vent frustrations and discuss ideas with others. Some of these support groups also provide resources and advice on managing ADHD.
According to a study females with symptoms that are primarily inattentive behaviors are less likely to get recognized and referred to an evaluation than men who display similar symptoms. They are also more likely to not be diagnosed and may suffer from impairment. In addition, many women have learned to cover up their symptoms, using strategies such as phone reminders and schedules for the day to conform to social norms. These tools can also cause anxiety and stress.
It is crucial that women seek out an expert doctor who has a thorough understanding of the connection between gender and ADHD. A therapist with experience will assist women in identifying ways that they may be hiding symptoms and internalizing difficulties. This will help them identify their strengths and boost their self-efficacy.
A diagnosis of ADHD could affect the way women see themselves. Several of the women interviewed in the study said they felt relieved after receiving an diagnosis. They could then face their own challenges and feel more confident in their capabilities. Knowing they were not alone helped them to let go of the mistakes they made in the past and make positive life changes.
For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD is life-changing. The symptoms can affect their relationships, careers, and day-today activities. For instance, they could forget appointments or overestimate the time it will take to finish the task. They may struggle to concentrate at work or school or at work, and they might struggle with managing their finances. Some women have a hard to stay married or maintain relationships and others are struggling with feelings of low self-esteem and depression.
Medication
Women with undiagnosed ADHD have difficulty managing their daily lives. They may have trouble managing their finances, keeping their homes tidy or maintaining healthy relationships with their partners. The symptoms can also affect the academic and work performance. The longer ADHD is left untreated, the more it can impact a woman's self-esteem and confidence to be successful in both her professional and personal lives.
Many women suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed because their symptoms are more numb than those who are hyperactive or indecisive. This is likely due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions as well as the lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms can be different than those seen in men and boys. It is also important to recognize that certain people, especially girls, suffer from co-occurring mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety or other physical illnesses such as sleep disorders, tics and fibromyalgia, which may cause similar symptoms to the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosed and treated for ADHD as an adult is a transformative experience that can boost the quality of life for women. It can also help her restore her sense of self-worth since she will understand that the issues she is facing are not her fault.
The use of stimulants is usually the first option for adults suffering from ADHD. Some adults might not be able to tolerate stimulants. For those who aren't able to take stimulants, there are alternative medications such as antidepressants or atomoxetine. You should inform your doctor about any supplements or medications you are taking as they may interact with certain medications.
A therapist or health care provider can help you develop strategies for managing your behavior to increase productivity and efficiency and help you manage symptoms. They can also assist you to address any emotional issues that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. Some people with ADHD have the benefit of working with a life coach or career coach, because they can help them develop skills to manage daily tasks as well as setting and achieving goals.
Although adult add women is true that girls and women are more undiagnosed than their male counterparts, there are now more efforts to better understand and address the differentiators in diagnosis and treatment. This includes ensuring that all children are tested for ADHD and that women and girls with ADHD receive accurate diagnoses.