Treatment For ADHD in Women
Women face different challenges in managing ADHD. This is due to the fact that they often face more pressure to meet societal expectations and standards. Women are also better at masking their symptoms.
High-functioning ADHD is when your symptoms don't significantly impact your daily life. Treatment for adult ADHD can improve your relationships, school and work performance, as well as self-esteem.
Medicines
Stimulants increase the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. These aid in controlling attention and impulses. They can be prescribed to children, teenagers and adults. All drugs have negative side effects, and many people need to try several before they find one that works. Talk to your doctor about these, and be sure to mention any side effects you have experienced.
Nonstimulants aren't as frequently prescribed for ADHD, but they can be prescribed if stimulants cause side effects or aren't effective. Strattera (atomoxetine), Qelbree and other medications similar to them increase the levels of norepinephrine. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between brain cells. It can improve concentration and impulse control. They are part of a class of antidepressants known as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These medications can also have a calming effect which helps to reduce the symptoms of depression and hyperactivity in some children and teenagers.
They are less likely to be misused and develop addiction than stimulants, but they do carry some dangers. They can interfere with growth in adolescents and children, as well as raise blood pressure and heart rate, and make it more difficult to fall asleep. They can also affect emotions and lead to suicidal thoughts in some teens.
Sleep problems are common in people with ADHD, and poor quality sleep can worsen the symptoms. Even if you're tired, it's important to stick to a regular schedule of rest. If you're having difficulty getting to sleep or wake up feeling tired Talk to your doctor.
Some people who take stimulants experience an "rebound effect" when the drug wears off around the end of the day. The symptoms may return and get worse for a time until the dosage is adjusted, or a different prescription is tried.
Psychotherapy can help people with ADHD find ways to cope with their symptoms as well as manage stress and anger and improve their time management and organization skills, and continue to work towards goals. Therapy can take place in person or online through services like BetterHelp. Family and marriage therapy assists families and couples tackle the issues ADHD causes in their relationships. For example, conflict over money and forgotten responsibilities.
Counseling
For women and girls with ADHD, treatment often is a mix of medication and psychotherapy. These treatment options can address the particular problems faced by females with ADHD, including difficulties with family and interpersonal relationships, as well as coexisting depression or anxiety. They can also help improve job performance and satisfaction.
It is important that you find a therapist with experience treating ADHD in women who understands the impact of this disorder on women. A therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women can assist you overcome the stigma that surrounds the condition and develop strategies to manage symptoms in your daily life. Therapists can also help you establish realistic and achievable goals. A therapist will also help you develop strategies to improve your social skills and navigating difficult situations.
Many people with ADHD aren't able to recognize their symptoms. This is why it is often difficult for them to find the right treatment. Symptoms include difficulty in paying attention, keeping track of the time, having trouble working through tasks, and issues with organizational skills. Other symptoms may include impulsivity, inability read social cues, and difficulty with emotional regulation.
People with ADHD are often ashamed of their struggles. They might try to cover them up with negative self-talk, or use productivity tools to make up for their lack of time management skills. This can cause anxiety and frustration. Many people with ADHD struggle to meet their professional and personal goals and are prone to burnout, due to frequent miscommunications in the workplace and difficulties working to meet deadlines. They might also have trouble maintaining relationships at work and home.
Unlike males, females and girls who suffer from ADHD are less likely to exhibit the traits of impulsivity or hyperactivity. However many women and girls still experience some of the same issues as boys with ADHD like trouble at school and home, low self-esteem, problems with peer relationships, and coexisting disorders like anxiety and depression. Some girls and women with untreated ADHD may be prone to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. This may include actions like scratching or burning themselves.
The first step towards finding relief is to get diagnosed with ADHD. Talking therapies can provide practical solutions for the challenges of living with the condition, including improved communication and a more positive outlook. They can also help you learn effective coping strategies including making routines and utilizing apps to aid in planning and scheduling.
Therapy
While medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD, psychotherapy can also be beneficial. Therapists can help you learn how to improve your time management, organization and relationships, as well as help you manage the negative effects of this condition. They can also assist in identifying and managing any mood-related issues which may be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, a therapist can provide support and understanding to your family members.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often having a difficult to deal with the impact of their condition on their personal and professional life. This can cause problems with work, finances and school and can also affect relationships and marriages. Additionally, untreated ADHD can cause low self-esteem and self-worth, which could lead to a lack of motivation and depression or anxiety.
While many people with ADHD experience the inattentive subtype of the disorder, others struggle with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. To be diagnosed with either of these, you must exhibit at least six or more symptoms that last for at least six months. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are more common in men and boys than in girls and women, although they are still quite prevalent in both groups.
In some cases, people with ADHD develop a tendency to self-injure. This may be self-cutting, burning, or scratching. This is a common occurrence in children and teens with ADHD. It may be connected to other disorders, including bulimia or anorexia, and the use of alcohol or drugs. In fact NSSI is by far the most common self-harming behavior among young girls with ADHD.
Researchers believe that sexuality is a major reason for the emergence of ADHD in women and girls. It is thought that hormone fluctuations during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopausal changes can impact how the disorder presents and responds to treatment. The gender of a person is not a matter of biology, but rather a construct of social construction that refers to an internal sense of being either a woman or a man, a nonbinary, or something different. Verywell Health acknowledges sex and gender as closely linked, but not the same. Sex is defined by the chromosomes of a person's anatomy, while gender refers to the inner sense of self as male, female or another category.
Self-help
In general, women with ADHD might be better in masked symptoms than men, which may make it more difficult to obtain an assessment or treatment. Symptoms can include being late for meetings or work, missing deadlines, being easily distracted, not paying attention to others who are speaking to them, not paying attention to what other people are saying or not being able to remember important dates. If these issues aren't addressed they can affect relationships and work or school performance.
Many people with undiagnosed ADHD have been described as having "high-functioning" which is not an official medical term. This means that their symptoms don't significantly interfere with their lives, but they may still struggle to be successful at school or work and manage daily tasks. Being diagnosed can improve attention deficit in women -esteem and help people understand why they have trouble with certain things.
It's important to know you can also learn strategies to deal with your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. For instance, you can consider using checklists or planners to keep track of your responsibilities or taking notes during meetings and using reminders on your phone. Physical exercise can be beneficial for ADHD sufferers since it eases anxiety and releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration.
Counseling can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. Therapists can help you learn strategies for managing time and organizing, as well as provide support and direction. They can also help you identify the thinking errors that create negative moods as well as perceptions of limitations in your abilities.
While it may take some time to receive a diagnosis the benefits of treatment are worth it. You can have more success in your relationships, career, and life by changing your lifestyle, incorporating therapy, and taking medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD might be frustrated or misunderstood by their struggles. Additionally, they may find it hard to live up to the expectations of society regarding how they should act, dress or look. This can cause feeling low self-esteem, which can be exacerbated by signs of ADHD like mood fluctuations.