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ADHD in Young Women Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with different signs than boys. Symptoms such as inattention, forgetfulness and difficulty in understanding social signals may make it difficult to keep relationships going or to make friends. Unfortunately, these differences and an unbalanced treatment referral contribute to the ineffective diagnosis and treatment of adhd in young women. Signs and symptoms The most prominent symptoms of adhd include difficulty keeping track of appointments not remembering appointments or making payments, and having trouble maintaining friendships. Women and girls may also have trouble maintaining relationships, and show impulsivity which could lead to risk-taking behaviors which includes sexual activity or be susceptible to emotional volatility. They are often misunderstood their peers and suffer from anxiety or depression disorders that are co-occurring with ADHD which makes it more difficult to be diagnosed and treated. Certain women and girls do not show obvious symptoms of attention-deficit disorders (ADHD) however, they make up for it when they start high school, where academic and social demands increase. As a result, they don't seek help until after they are struggling to cope in college or the workplace. Research shows that women and girls are often not diagnosed and recognized for ADHD in comparison to males and females. This disparity can be attributed to gender bias, which can often be unintentional. Specifically, girls and women are less likely to receive a diagnosis for ADHD because they tend to camouflage their symptoms, as mentioned above or because they are diagnosed with different types of symptoms than males. A girl or woman is less likely to have ADHD diagnosed due to the fact that they are more likely to exhibit emotional or mood symptoms such as irritability and depression. They are more likely to receive referrals for mood disorders or anxiety and receive unsuitable treatment, which can compound their problems by masking the root cause. Inattentional ADHD is more prevalent in girls and women. It manifests as a lack of concentration, missed deadlines, or committing a few mistakes in school or at work. You are easily distracted, either by your thoughts or the events that occur around you. You also lose track of time while doing tasks. You struggle to stay focused and find it difficult to relax. You aren't able to keep your space or desk organized and you can easily become overwhelmed in restaurants or shopping. You are prone to forgetting important dates or events, for example, birthdays of friends. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD – which is more prevalent in boys and men – can interfere with relationships, schoolwork and job performance. You are always on the move and interrupt others, and you have difficulty listening to what they are saying. You have trouble being still and you may fidget or act on impulse like squirming in your seat or grabbing your hair. You are unable to manage your emotions and may make snide remarks, embarrassing or off-color. Diagnosis For women and girls suffering from ADHD, accurate diagnosis is key. A clear diagnosis can help you understand the challenges you face and help you locate the support and resources you need to feel more in control. A diagnosis can be a lightbulb moment that many girls and women find their diagnosis to be a relief, giving them an external explanation of the difficulties that they have long struggled to comprehend or blamed to sexist biases or miscommunication, or even their internalized gender stereotypes. A health care professional can determine if you have ADHD by looking into your symptoms and history and using a symptom checklist or questionnaire to assess their intensity. They can also ask questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life. They may suggest strategies and medications that can enhance your performance. For instance your doctor may suggest strategies for organizing such as planners, post-it notepads, and lists, or suggest a medication to help you focus and concentrate. The drugs used to treat ADHD include stimulants that increase your alertness and focus as well as non-stimulants to aid in staying focused without increasing blood pressure and heart rate. ADHD in girls and women is often diagnosed much later than boys and men. It is possible that sexist beliefs, a lack of access to healthcare, and a misperception of how the disorder manifests in females contribute to this delay. The symptoms may change throughout the course of life and can worsen during, before or after hormonal changes. This can complicate the diagnosis process and treatment options for girls and women with ADHD. Inattention and impulsivity may cause confusion and frustration with romantic partners, colleagues, or even friends. It can also make it difficult for them to keep commitments to work or social obligations. They may also be struggling to complete tasks like paying bills, completing school or work assignments, and doing housework. This could lead to feeling dissatisfied with their lives and may exacerbate mental issues like anxiety or depression. The gender and sex distinctions in ADHD are most likely the result of neurological, biological and environmental factors. Gender is the status that a person is given at birth based upon chromosomes, anatomy, and a variety of other factors. This includes people who identify themselves as women, men or non-binary. Treatment Many women and girls are not able to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD until they reach adulthood. Early diagnosis can help people understand their symptoms and discover the most effective treatment options. The most effective approach to treating ADHD in girls and women involves a multimodal strategy including medication, therapy and counseling in the workplace and at home accommodations and lifestyle strategies. Women and girls with ADHD are often more prone to emotional issues and have a tougher to navigate relationships than men. They may be misunderstood, either by their partners or other people. This can lead to frustration as well as a feeling of unfairness. inattentive add in women have a higher risk of depression and anxiety that are co-occurring. They typically have a harder time finding work or maintaining jobs because of their disorganization in their lives, lack of time management skills and problems in executive functions (planning and organizing, prioritizing). Problems with social interaction and emotional dysregulation can make it difficult for them to maintain or form meaningful relationships. They tend to be more self-critical, which can cause them to seek out unhealthy ways to cope like excessive drinking and drugs. The most common medications used to treat ADHD in adults are stimulants, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®). Non-stimulants include the drugs atomoxetine (Strattera®), viloxazine (Qelbree®) and clonidine (Kapvay®). Women and girls with ADHD could benefit from psychotherapy. This is a kind of therapy that focuses on changing the way a person thinks and acts. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of therapy that seeks to change the way an individual reacts to and interprets situations. It can also involve incorporating lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet regularly exercising and taking nutritional supplements. It is important to note that cutting out foods or taking supplements should only be done under the supervision of a health care professional. People with ADHD need a solid support system, which may include family, friends, colleagues, and mentors. It is recommended that they take part in support groups or community groups, since they can provide a safe space to discuss the difficulties of living with ADHD and offer tips for managing it effectively. The following resources are available to you: Girls with ADHD often struggle to make and keep friendships. They might also be suffering from low self-esteem or depression. They can be more vulnerable to impulsive and destructive behaviors which could put them at risk of harming themselves or others. These behaviors include not taking safety precautions, drinking alcohol or taking drugs or engaging in risky sexual activity. A health care provider should conduct a thorough examination to determine the root cause of the symptoms and formulate an effective treatment plan. This involves looking at the patient's medical and mental health history, and current mood. The provider will also take a look at the surroundings of the person to determine if they are a factor. There are many resources for people suffering from ADHD which include support groups and websites that provide information and tools. There are also books to assist people with their condition and achieve success in their lives. For example, “The Queen of Distraction: How women with ADHD can conquer chaos and Regain Focus” by Terry Matlen addresses the specific issues that girls with ADHD have to face. “Natural Relief for Adult ADHD: Complementary Strategies to Enhance Focus, Motivation, and Performance With or Without Medication” by Stephanie Sarkis, PhD offers a range of alternative treatments for people with ADHD. Connecting with others who have the same diagnosis can offer a lot of support and compassion. ADDitude magazine's forum as well as ADDitude's parenting group are two of the numerous websites and social media platforms that provide assistance to those suffering from ADHD. Some organizations offer summer or daytime programs that teach executive function and organizing skills. Many people with ADHD are able to benefit from working with a professional counselor or coach to master new strategies for coping and achieving their goals. They can also seek help from a therapist that specializes in the treatment of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety or ADHD. Some people use apps, such as the popular Wunderlist and other software, to keep track of their daily activities. There are numerous websites that allow collaboration via virtual networks. Focusmate is one such website. It connects people who have the same task to work together remotely.