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 for women and girls than they are in males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the 4 years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication strategies can help improve relationships and set people up for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are incapable of keeping track of their daily needs. They may not remember to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty maintaining a conversation. Their homes are usually cluttered with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are susceptible to making careless mistakes that can have expensive consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more trouble coping with social rejection and academic underachievement than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behaviors and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by developing a confidence which could result in high-risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change over time. It is important to undergo a thorough mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now, including childhood events. They'll also be looking for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medication. The most common ADHD medication is stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse side negative effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattention ADHD modify their environment and learn coping skills to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be helpful for adults, helping them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and not be aware of the impact of their condition on their lives. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized and this can lead to problems at work and school and in their personal lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities could directly impact their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships due to the way their symptoms impact their social. It is also more difficult for them to get treatment since they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms, which can result in them not being diagnosed and untreated.
A second challenge is that symptoms of adhd may change from day-to-day. This is particularly the case during hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have an impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Young women and girls who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient, and susceptible to a conflict in their relationships. They are at greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with partners that they aren't certain about, and have difficulties asserting their needs. They can also be vulnerable to sexual domestic violence and abuse because they may not have a method of contraception.
Women and girls with adhd may find effective coping techniques that will help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to comprehend their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. In some instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the issues that girls and women with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulty coping with criticism or stress and sensitivity to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They also may be more prone to develop sexual issues, such as promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females with ADHD tend to be more likely to seek treatment as they grow older.
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that boys and men. adult adhd signs can be unfocused or restless, and always in motion. They also talk excessively and make rash decisions. These problems can also result in them being rude or unkind, as well being prone to risky behaviors. In addition, some girls and women with ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting or burning particularly during the adolescent years.
While these symptoms can make it difficult for people to perform at work or at school, a lot of girls and women with ADHD are skilled at masking these symptoms. This can make them appear more careful, or perfectionists. This can prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or having difficulty staying focused. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol or drugs to deal with their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors, which could lead to under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms may not be recognized as connected to ADHD and may be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet high in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can improve the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in those with the disorder. A registered dietitian can assist you to create a plan for your individual requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it gets out of control and affects your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease, and excessive fright in benign or regular situations. They persist even when there's little or any reason to be concerned, and they cause you physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can impact relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead to social issues, such as broken relationships and unsuccessful careers. The mood swings can make it harder to sleep enough and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, depending on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman suffering from ADHD your symptoms could change during the month, or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during stressful times such as an breakup, job loss, or major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time each night and establish a regular time to get up. To improve your sleep you can try listening to relaxing music before bedtime or meditating. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day or use a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.