I was one of the lucky ones. Well, maybe “lucky” is stretching it a bit. Let’s just say that I was diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disability) at a time when most medical professionals would not even consider diagnosing or treating a teenage girl for the disorder.
When Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disability first came popular it was thought of as a predominantly male disorder. The patients being diagnosed were boys of elementary age who were struggling to sit still and retain information in their elementary classrooms. These kids were behavior problems for their parents and teachers.
But the girls who could not pay attention, who were flighty or day dreamers were struggling also. But because they were not behavior issues, at home or in their classrooms, they did not get dragged down to their pediatrician's office and started along the long & winding Try this Script… No… This One… Medication Trail.
Unless you had my mother. Who refused to give up until she found a doctor who agreed with her.
I am grateful for her persistence. Because the meds did give me the focus to retain information and my school work improved a great deal. But my self esteem and self worth were left in tatters from being paraded in front of doctor after doctor. I felt like something was wrong with me and we were hiding it with medication. But that is a different post for another day.
So fast forward to now. A great number of our girls are finally getting the resources and attention they need to ease their symptoms. The professional communities are finally including women in their research, for the most part. And there are many resources available for the female population of ADDers.
Every year, there are increasing numbers of inattentive little girls and women being diagnosed later in life. But we still have a long way to go when it comes to fully supporting females of all ages with attention deficit issues.
What exactly is ADHD/ADD?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines ADHD/ADD as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. They state it is usually diagnosed during childhood and remains until and throughout adulthood.
The American Psychiatric Association states, “An estimated 8.4 percent of children and 2.5 percent of adults have ADHD. ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children when it leads to disruption in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. It can also affect adults. It is more common among boys than girls.”
Though the percentage is lower for adults, I think it is very important to point out that ADHD/ADD does not go away in adulthood and you cannot grow out of it as proposed in recent decades. Many people with ADHD/ADD develop coping strategies for dealing with their disability and no longer feel treatment is necessary.
People are very resilient and can adjust to living with just about anything.
Neurotypical vs. Neuro-Nontypical
In the ADHD/ADD community, people who do not suffer with ADHD/ADD are referred to as being neurotypical. Or as having “typical” brain functions. Neurotypical people are those individuals who do not have intellectual or developmental differences. A "neurotypical" person is an individual who thinks, perceives, and behaves in ways that are considered to be "normal" by the cultural standards within their communities.
Verywellmind.com states, “The neurodiversity movement is built around the idea that developmental differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and learning disabilities are not disorders to be cured but are, instead, differences to be respected.”
The Symptoms
Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and/or be unable to control their impulsive behaviors. Or the hyperactive element can be replaced with inattention or trouble paying attention for extended periods of time (ADD). Or they can have both the hyperactive and inattentive symptoms present (ADHD).
These behaviors interfere with school and home life. Some of these ADD symptoms may include:
Is easily distracted
Doesn't follow directions or finish tasks
Doesn't appear to be listening
Doesn't pay attention and makes careless mistakes
Forgets about daily activities
Has problems organizing daily tasks
Doesn’t like to do things that require sitting still
Often loses things
Tends to daydream
The hyperactive elements in behavior may be:
Often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
Doesn't stay seated
Has trouble playing quietly
Is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as restlessness.)
Talks excessively
Is always “on the go” as if “driven by a motor”
Adults with ADHD/ADD show symptoms of:
Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
Anxiety
Low self-esteem
Problems at work
Trouble controlling anger
Impulsiveness
Substance abuse or addiction
Unorganized
Procrastination
Easily frustrated
Chronic boredom
Trouble concentrating when reading
Mood swings
Depression
Relationship problems
What Causes ADHD/ADD?
While we are not sure of the complete cause of ADHD/ADD, there has been research that leads professionals to believe the condition may derive from:
Heredity. ADHD tends to run in families.
Chemical imbalance. Brain chemicals in people with ADHD may be out of balance.
Brain changes. Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD.
Poor nutrition, infections, smoking, drinking, and substance abuse during pregnancy. These things can affect a baby’s brain development.
Toxins, such as lead. They may affect a child's brain development.
A brain injury or a brain disorder. Damage to the front of the brain, called the frontal lobe, can cause problems with controlling impulses and emotions.
Treatments
For years, ADHD/ADD has been treated with stimulant medications because these stimulants have the reverse effect on non-neurotypical brains. They cause the brain to slow down, be more attentive and maintain focus.
However, there are many more treatment options besides medication. These are just a few:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy/Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Psycho Therapy
Special Education Services (for students in school)
Social Skills Instruction
Structure/Planning
Support Groups
Wrap Up
It is important to remember that all brains differ and are unique, therefore we must be careful to assume all treatment works for every individual. We must continue to be mindful and begin with respect and empathy when treating everyone, no matter their symptoms and struggles.
This site is dedicated to helping women in particular deal with ADHD/ADD. We want to spread understanding, knowledge and acceptance about this condition. But most of all, we want all women struggling with this to know you are NOT alone & there is hope.
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