ADHD in Women Adults
Women with ADHD face a number of challenges. They may have difficulty to cope with everyday tasks, deal with relationship issues and meet social expectations. They may also have trouble staying focused at work or not remembering appointments.
A recent study looked at the experiences of women diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. It found that while diagnosis was a relief and helped to make sense of past struggles but it was also often bittersweet.
Diagnosis
It can seem like the first step in understanding and managing your symptoms when you're diagnosed with ADHD. It can help you to give a name to the things you struggle with and consider them as something that can be dealt with as a whole, not something that makes you "weird."
Women may have a tougher to diagnose themselves with ADHD since they tend to be more adept at hiding their symptoms. They might be adept at conceal their inattention by working late or using tools such as planners and smartphones to keep track of their daily tasks. Or, they might be able disguise their impulsivity by acting fast to get ahead in an assignment at work or by uttering comments in conversations without thinking.
It's important to speak to an expert in mental health who has experience working with adults to determine diagnosis. A friendly group of family and friends can be a great help in navigating the process. A mental health professional or health care provider may utilize standardized scales for behavior or ADHD symptoms checklists to assess adult symptoms and determine if they fulfill the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis. A physical examination and a medical history are usually part of an adult diagnostic assessment. Psychological tests can be used to determine executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial skills (related to space) and reasoning abilities.
Untreated ADHD can lead to a range of issues for women. Certain of these are related to work issues, like having difficulty staying on track, following corporate guidelines, or meeting deadlines. They can also contribute to feelings of low self-esteem or confidence. Furthermore women with ADHD are more likely to be suffering from comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Many people who go undiagnosed for ADHD as adults regret the years they spent struggling and not being able to pinpoint the reason. They may have had issues with their relationships, at work, or in financial pressure. Matlen says that people are often forced to accept their past and perform grief work after receiving the diagnosis. However, she says that once the diagnosis is in hand it is possible to move forward with renewed hope for the future.
Treatment Options
Women can be diagnosed with ADHD and treated. They can also receive the support they require to manage their symptoms in school, at work, and at home.
The key is to recognize the symptoms that are present, such as difficulty organizing and managing time and tasks forgetfulness; difficulty adhering to the rules or procedures; difficulty working with colleagues, teachers or classmates; and the tendency to be impulsive. These issues can have severe consequences for school and job performance as well as relationships and self-esteem.
Certain experts say that the diagnosis of ADHD for women and girls is not widely reported because they are more adept at concealing their symptoms 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 evident in males and females. This makes them more likely to be diagnosed.
Counseling or therapy can help people with ADHD manage their disorder as well as behavioral strategies. These treatments can help with depression and anxiety, 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 therapies such as yoga, mediation and regular exercise can help improve your brain function by helping to calm down and focus on your thoughts. They can also help control mood problems and improve your energy levels. Getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet can also help alleviate symptoms.
Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from asking their co-workers, supervisors or teachers to make accommodations. They may request additional time or more specific explanations.
ADHD can be treated by medication. Stimulant medication is typically the first option for treatment, however, nonstimulant medications can also be utilized.
Some adults with ADHD are able to manage their symptoms through changes in their lifestyle, 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 able to take part in a study known as a clinical trial. This is a research study that explores new ways of treating or preventing diseases.
Support Groups
Women can feel isolated when trying to deal with the complexity of ADHD. Support groups can help. Certain organizations have forums where people can share their experiences online. Although some of these forums are not supervised by a mental health professional they can offer a safe environment to share frustrations and brainstorm solutions with other members. Some of these groups provide resources and tips for dealing with ADHD.
According to a study, females whose symptoms show primarily as inattentive behavior are less likely to be recognized and referred for evaluation than males who exhibit the same symptoms. As a result, they are more likely to remain without being diagnosed and experience impairment. Additionally that many women have mastered to cover up their symptoms by using strategies such as phone reminders and daily schedules to comply with social expectations. These strategies can also backfire, leading to additional stress and anxiety.
It is crucial for women to find an expert in the field who can understand the ways in which gender and ADHD interact. Additionally, a skilled counselor can help women identify the ways they could be hiding their symptoms and internalizing their difficulties. This way, they can better identify areas of strength and self-efficacy.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can have a positive impact on how women view themselves. Some of the participants in the study reported that they felt relief once they received an diagnosis. They were in a position to accept their own struggles, and felt more confident in their capabilities. In addition, knowing they were not alone aided them to accept their past mistakes and make positive changes in their lives.
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of the life of a person. The symptoms can impact their careers, relationships and day-to-day activities. They may underestimate the amount of amount of time needed to finish a task or forget to make appointments. They may struggle to concentrate at work or school or at work, and they might have problems managing their finances. Some women have difficulty maintaining a relationship or marriage and others are suffering from low self-esteem.
Medication
Women with undiagnosed ADHD might have trouble navigating the everyday life. They may have trouble with financial management, organising their homes, or maintaining healthy relationships. adhd in older women can also impact academic and work performance. The longer ADHD is not treated, the more it can affect a woman's self-esteem and ability to feel successful in both her professional and personal lives.
Many women suffering from ADHD aren't diagnosed because their symptoms are more numb than hyperactive or indecisive. This could be due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions and a lack of awareness that female ADHD symptoms can be different from those of men and boys. It is also important to recognize that some people, especially girls, have co-occurring psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety and depression, or other physical ailments such as sleep disorders, tics and fibromyalgia. These can trigger similar symptoms as those of ADHD.
Getting diagnosed and treated for ADHD in adulthood is an experience of empowerment that can significantly improve a woman's quality of life. It can also help her regain her sense of self-worth, as she will know that the challenges she faces are not due to her.
adhd in older women is generally the first option for adults with ADHD. Certain adults may not be able to handle stimulants. If you are unable to tolerate stimulants, there are non-stimulant drugs like antidepressants or atomoxetine. You should inform your doctor about any supplements or other medications you are taking, because they could interact with certain medications.
A health professional or therapist can help you develop strategies for managing your behavior that increase productivity and efficiency and also help manage symptoms. They can also assist you in addressing any emotional issues that could contribute to the symptoms of ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD get the most benefit from working with a life coach or career coach, since they can help them develop skills to manage daily tasks as well as setting and meeting goals.
While it is still true that girls and women are more often undiagnosed than male counterparts, there are increasing efforts to understand and address the differentiators in diagnosis and treatment. This includes making sure that all children are screened for ADHD and that women and girls suffering from ADHD receive accurate diagnoses.