Entrada del blog por Delbert Silas
Women suffering from ADHD have many difficulties. They may struggle with managing everyday tasks, deal with relationships issues and meet social expectations. They may also have difficulty staying focused at work or avoiding appointments.
A recent study explored the experiences of women who were diagnosed with ADHD in their adulthood. The study revealed that, although the diagnosis brought relief and made sense of past struggles, it could be bittersweet.
Getting a Diagnosis
It could be the first step towards understanding and managing symptoms once you're diagnosed with ADHD. 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 have a difficult time diagnosing themselves with ADHD because they are generally more adept at hiding their symptoms. They may have become accustomed to hiding their inattentiveness through working late or by using tools like planners or smartphones to track daily tasks. Or, they might be able to hide their impulsivity by acting quickly to advance the workplace or blurting out comments during conversations without thinking.
It's important to speak to an expert in mental health who has worked with adults in order to establish diagnosis. It's also beneficial to have a strong friends and family members to guide you through the process. A health care provider or mental health professional might employ standardized behavior rating scales or adhd in women adult checklists for assessing an adult's symptoms and determine whether they meet the criteria to be considered a case of ADHD. A physical exam and medical history are usually part of an adult diagnostic assessment. Psychological tests can be used to assess executive function, working memory (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial abilities (related to spatial space) as well as reasoning and reasoning abilities.
Untreated ADHD can lead to a range of issues for women. Some of these are career-related problems, such as difficulty maintaining a job, adhering to corporate guidelines, 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 suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD regret the years of struggle without knowing why. They may have struggled with their relationships, at work or in financial pressure. Matlen states that when people receive a diagnosis they are often required to go through some grieving and accept what has gone wrong in their lives. She says, however, that once a diagnosis is made, people can move forward with reassurance and hope for the future.
Treatment Options
Women are able to be diagnosed ADHD and treated. They can also receive the support they need to manage their symptoms at home, at work and at school.
It is essential to recognize the signs. These include difficulties in organising and managing time and tasks, inability to remember trouble adhering to rules or procedures, trouble getting along with colleagues, classmates, or teachers, and uncontrollable behavior. These problems can cause serious issues with work and school performance, self-esteem, and relationships.
Experts believe that girls and women are less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because they can mask 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. Symptoms of these subtypes are simpler to notice in men and boys and are therefore more likely to draw attention that can lead to a diagnosis.
In addition to the behavioral strategies, many people suffering from ADHD find that therapy or counseling can help them manage their condition. These treatments can help with depression and anxiety, among other symptoms. Certain kinds of therapy like cognitive behavioral can teach you how to change negative thinking patterns that cause problems in your daily life.
Other therapies such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can improve your brain function by helping to calm down and focus on your thoughts. They can also boost your energy and help you combat mood disorders. You can also ease symptoms by getting enough rest and eating well.
Adults with ADHD may benefit from asking their co-workers, supervisors or teachers to accommodate their needs. They can ask for more detailed explanations or extra time for assignments.
Medicines can also be helpful in treating ADHD. Stimulant medication is usually the first option for treatment, however, nonstimulant medications can also be used.
Some adults suffering from ADHD are able to manage their symptoms by making lifestyle changes, adequate rest and technology like ADHD-assisting apps for smartphones. They should also regularly visit a health care provider and follow any medication regimen prescribed. They might also be eligible to take part in a clinical trial, which is a research study that seeks to discover new ways to prevent or treat ailments and diseases.
Support Groups
Women may feel lonely when trying to deal with the complexities of ADHD. Support groups can help. There are forums that individuals can meet online and discuss their experiences. Some of these groups may not be moderated by mental health professionals, but they could offer a safe place to vent frustrations and brainstorm with others. Some of these groups have resources and suggestions for managing ADHD.
According to a study females who have symptoms that are mostly inattentional behaviors are less likely to be identified and referred to an evaluation than men who display the same symptoms. They are more likely to be undiagnosed and may suffer from impairment. Many women have learned to mask symptoms by using tactics like phone reminders and daily routines to conform to social expectations. These strategies can also backfire, causing more stress and anxiety.
It is important for women to find an expert in the field who can understand how gender and ADHD interact. A seasoned counselor can help women identify the ways they could be attempting to hide their symptoms and internalizing their difficulties. This will help them identify their strengths and increase their self-efficacy.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can have a positive impact on how women view themselves. Many of the famous women with adhd who were interviewed in the study said they felt relieved when they received a diagnosis. They were able to accept their own challenges and feel more confident in their abilities. Knowing they were not alone also helped them accept their mistakes in the past and to make positive life changes.
A diagnosis of ADHD can change the course of a person's life. The symptoms can impact their relationships with their jobs, relationships, and daily activities. They may underestimate the amount of amount of time needed to complete a task, or forget appointments. They may have trouble concentrating at school or work or at work, and they might have problems managing their finances. Some women have trouble maintaining a marriage or relationship and others are suffering from low self-esteem.
Medication
add women with undiagnosed ADHD have a difficult time managing their daily lives. They may have difficulty managing their finances, organizing their homes or maintaining healthy relationships. The symptoms can also affect work and academic performance. The longer ADHD is untreated, it can negatively impact women's self-esteem and ability to feel successful both in her professional and personal lives.
Many women with ADHD go undiagnosed because their symptoms are less hyperactive or impulsive, and less attentive. This could be due to outdated diagnostic criteria and assumptions, as well as a lack of awareness that female adhd in adult women test symptoms are often different from those of men and boys. It is also important to recognize that certain people, especially girls, suffer from co-occurring mental disorders, such as anxiety and depression or other physical illnesses such as sleep disorders, tics and fibromyalgia, which can trigger similar symptoms as those of ADHD.
Being diagnosed and treated for ADHD as an adult is a transformative experience that can improve the quality of life for women. It can also help her regain her self-worth as she will recognize that the challenges she faces aren't her fault.
Adults suffering from ADHD typically are treated first with stimulant medications. Some adults may not be able to tolerate stimulants. For those who cannot tolerate stimulants, there are alternative drugs like antidepressants or atomoxetine. You should inform your doctor about any supplements or medicines you are taking as they may interfere with certain drugs.
A therapist or health care provider can help you develop strategies for managing your behavior to increase productivity and organization, as well as manage symptoms. They can also help you address any emotional issues which may be causing the symptoms of ADHD. Some people suffering from ADHD benefit from working with a life or career coach. They can teach them how to handle their daily tasks, set goals and achieve them.
There are more efforts being made to better understand the differences in diagnosis treatment, gender and diagnosis. This includes making sure that all children are screened for ADHD and that women and girls suffering from the disorder are accurately diagnosed.