ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are more subtle in women and girls than they are for males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for living and medication can improve relationships and assist people to achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are unable to keep track of their daily needs. adhd symptoms and treatment might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and may struggle to keep up with conversations. They might leave work-related documents on a desk and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often strewn with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are more prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have expensive consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble dealing with social rejection and academic underachievement than other students. They may develop dysfunctional ways to cope, including self-harming and an inability for them to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can cause feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by gaining a sense of bravado and may cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change over time. However, it's important to undergo a complete mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They will also check for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration, learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. The most common ADHD drugs are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine can be used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse side consequences. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills which will help reduce their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. Adults may also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them establish a routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to understand and may not recognize the impact of their condition on their lives. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized, which can cause problems at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage their symptoms.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships due to the way that their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult for them to get treatment as they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male-dominated behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd may differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have an effect on the functioning of specific parts of the brain including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen decreases in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient and prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at greater risk of engaging in sexual activities with partners they aren't certain about, and they may have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be at a higher risk of sexual assault or domestic violence since they lack contraception.
Girls and women with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that will help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit by getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace harmful behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties dealing with criticism or stress. It can also manifest as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. symptoms of add could also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including promiscuity or a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
The same impulsive symptoms that both boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, like being fidgety, always in motion, disruptive or restless, talking a lot, and making rash decisions without thinking them through. These problems can also result in them becoming rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behaviours. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also prone to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is particularly true during the adolescent stage.
While these signs can make it difficult for people to perform at work or at school, a lot of women and girls with ADHD are skilled at masking their symptoms. This can make them appear more meticulous or a perfectionist. It could also deter others from noticing they are unable to stay on task or are easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could lead to under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as being associated with ADHD and may be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus as well as release feel good neurotransmitters, which can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can assist you to make a plan that meets your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it becomes out of control and affects your daily life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent and an excessive fear in benign or regular situations. They persist even when there's little or any reason to be concerned and can cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common for women than men, and can interfere with work and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. The mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent at certain times in your life, based on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or when they flare up during periods of stress, such as the break-up of a relationship, a job loss or any major life event.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and establish a time when you wake up. To help adhd symptoms sleep better try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try cutting out foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can help decrease symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day, or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to natural sunlight.