Dr. Lotta Borg Skoglund discusses the challenges faced by girls with ADHD, including anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. She highlights the need for early detection, understanding ADHD in women, and strategies for building resilience and improving relationships. The podcast also explores the impact of contraception on adolescent girls with ADHD.
Girls with ADHD may experience emotional dysregulation, which can manifest as tantrums, meltdowns, or self-harm.
Screening for comorbidities should be standard practice to ensure comprehensive care and appropriate treatment for children with ADHD.
Deep dives
The Emotional Lives of Girls with ADHD
Girls with ADHD may experience emotional dysregulation, which can manifest as tantrums, meltdowns, or self-harm. However, girls may also mask their symptoms, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression. Caregivers need to understand the unique challenges faced by young girls with ADHD. They need support in recognizing and addressing emotional dysregulation. Research shows that boys are often diagnosed earlier than girls, leading to a higher risk of physical and psychiatric comorbidity in females. This can result in inaccurately diagnosing and treating girls, leading to increased risk of self-harm, mood disorders, and emotional dysregulation. Early detection and proper support are crucial for preventing further complications.
ADHD Evaluation and Comorbidity Screening
It is essential to evaluate and diagnose ADHD in children, and the inclusion of emotional dysregulation in diagnostic criteria can improve accuracy. However, research shows that only 42% of children diagnosed with ADHD are screened for comorbid conditions. This is a significant oversight, as comorbidities like anxiety and depression are more common in individuals with ADHD. Screening for comorbidities should be standard practice to ensure comprehensive care and appropriate treatment for children with ADHD.
ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in Girls
Girls with ADHD often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention. Diagnosis in females primarily focuses on psychosocial causes rather than considering ADHD as the underlying issue. This delayed diagnosis contributes to physical and psychiatric comorbidities, self-harm, and extensive healthcare utilization. ADHD treatment, including medication, can help reduce adverse outcomes associated with the condition. However, the impact of medication may vary depending on hormonal status and should be considered in conjunction with other factors.
Building Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
To support girls and young women with ADHD, it is crucial to build emotional intelligence and resilience. The ADHD 24 seven model provides a framework for understanding ADHD's impact on social, emotional, and lifestyle factors. By monitoring how they are doing rather than solely focusing on how they feel, individuals can gain self-awareness and communicate their needs effectively. Other strategies include mindfulness, moderation, and self-compassion. Additionally, healthcare professionals and educators should be educated about the unique challenges faced by girls with ADHD to provide appropriate support and intervention.
Lotta Borg Skoglund, M.D., Ph.D., presents an overview of the special challenges facing girls with ADHD, from anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation from fluctuating hormones during puberty to unrlenting social expectations.
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