ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less evident than the men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can enhance relationships and help people succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or forgets to do an assignment at times, but those who suffer from inattention ADHD can't stop losing track of the things they need for everyday life. They may leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are more prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with more difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic failure compared to their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies like self-harming behavior and inability to sustain friendships or access peer support which can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to alleviate these issues with a heightened attitude that could result in high-risk actions such as drug or alcohol prostitution, or involvement in gangs.
For adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may change as time. It's crucial to undergo a thorough mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also consider other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or sight problems, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline, allergies, and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, are employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. Adults can also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to establish an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and may not realize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a tough time staying focused or organized, which could lead to issues at school and at work, as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other illnesses, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Because of the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women and women, they can suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. This can make it more difficult for them to seek help, as they may be less likely to be referred by parents or teachers. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can fluctuate from day to day. symptoms of add in adults is especially true when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have a direct impact on the functioning of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory and concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is elevated. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to be more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher risk of engaging in sexual interactions with partners who they are not sure about, and they may have difficulties asserting their needs. They could also be at risk of being victims of sexual domestic violence and abuse because they may not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can develop efficient strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace unhealthy patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to experience difficulties controlling their emotions. This could manifest as mood swings, issues in coping with stress or criticism and sensitivity to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to experience sexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females suffering from ADHD may often be more likely to seek help later in life.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may exhibit similar behavior patterns that males and females. These include being constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They may also talk a lot and make quick decisions. These problems can also cause them to be rude or unkind, aswell as engage in risky behavior. In addition, some women and girls with ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in adolescence.
Many girls and women with ADHD can hide these signs even though they be unable to function at school or at work. This can make them appear more conscientious or an idealist, and it could also deter others from noticing that they struggle to stay on track or get distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies which include the use of drugs or alcohol to mask their problems.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior, which may cause a misdiagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as being related to 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 fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters which help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can help create a plan for your individual requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control and becomes a problem in your daily routine it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in normal or routine situations. They are present when there is no reason to be worried and can result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect work and relationships.
Gender can also play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are treated. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This can cause social problems like strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. These mood swings can cause insomnia which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times of your life based on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate during the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more evident during menstrual cycles or when you're under stress, such as an breakup or job loss major life events.
Getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to sleep at the same time each night, and set a regular wakeup time. To help you sleep better, try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day or utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.