ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less obvious in girls and women than they are in boys and men. This could cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates medication and lifestyle strategies can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are unable to keep the track of their daily activities. They might forget to clean up the laundry or empty the trash cans, and they may be unable to keep up with conversations. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have trouble keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They are susceptible to making mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have expensive consequences.
Attention-deficit ADHD for females is associated with more difficulty in coping with social rejection, and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies like self-harming behaviors and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or access peer support that can cause emotional distress and low mood. They might try to overcome these issues by developing a confidence which could cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change in time. It is important to have a full mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's present and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. The most common ADHD medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants don't help or cause side effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD learn to modify their environment and develop coping techniques that can reduce their symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps them modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and not recognize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a tough time staying focused or organized, which can cause problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to suffer from other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. These complications can have a direct impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms impact their social. This may make it harder to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD still favor male behaviors. Many women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which can cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can fluctuate from day to day. This is particularly the case when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have an effect on the function of certain parts of the brain including executive functions including verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone increases. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with people they don't know and have a hard time asserting their rights. They may also be more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they are not contraceptive.
Women and girls with adhd can find effective ways to cope that can help them to manage the symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to comprehend their thoughts and feelings and swap out bad habits for more healthy ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to tackle the issues girls and women with ADHD have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to experience difficulties controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulty coping with criticism or stress and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They also may be more likely to experience sexual problems, such as promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, women with ADHD may often be more likely to seek help in adulthood.
signs of attention deficit disorder in adults that boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be seen in women and girls suffering from the disorder, for example, being fidgety, always at a loss, irritable or agitated, talking too much, and making rash decisions without thinking it through. These issues can cause them to be abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviours. In addition, some girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting, burning or scratching, especially in the adolescent years.
Although these issues can make it hard to perform at work or at school, many girls and women with ADHD are adept at masked them. This can make them appear more diligent or even perfectionists. It also can stop people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty keeping their focus. Some women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of drugs or alcohol to disguise their issues.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior which can cause a misdiagnosis for women or girls. signs and symptoms of adhd in women may not be recognized as connected to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost concentration and focus, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in those with the disorder. It is helpful to consult an experienced dietitian to develop a plan that works best for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control and affects your daily life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by unease, distress and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They are present even when there is little or no reason to be worried, and they cause you physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect relationships and work.
Gender can also play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. The mood swings can make it difficult to sleep well and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times of your life depending on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles or when they flare up during periods of stress like breaking up, job loss, or any major life occasion.
A good night's sleep can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to sleep at the same time each night, and set a regular wakeup time. Try listening to soothing music or meditate prior to going to bed, and reduce screen time to enhance your quality of sleep. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try to eat plenty 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 to exercise for 30 minutes every day, or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to natural sunlight.