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 women and girls than they are for boys and men. This can cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms exacerbated due to hormonal changes like during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are not able to keep track of their daily needs. They may not remember to pick up the laundry or empty the trash cans and may be unable to keep up with conversations. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have trouble maintaining a conversation. Their homes are usually cluttered with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're prone to making careless mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD are also more difficult in coping with academic and social rejection than other students. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies like self-harming behavior and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers that can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to alleviate these issues with a heightened attitude that could result in high-risk behaviors such as drug or alcohol use, prostitution and/or involvement in gangs.
For adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because symptoms may change in time. It's important that you have a complete medical and mental evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They'll look at the person's past and present behavior as well as childhood experiences. They'll also look for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. The most popular ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help improve concentration and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, like clonidine and atomoxetine, are used when stimulants do not help or cause side consequences. In addition, therapy can aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD learn to alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies that will minimize the symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them to modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults may also benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them establish the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling understood, and they may have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may find it difficult to stay organized or focused and this can lead to problems at work and school and in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities may influence their symptoms, and how they manage those symptoms.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. This may make it harder to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. symptoms of adult add for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Many women can mask their symptoms which can result in them not being diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd differ from day to day particularly during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women with ADHD are more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with people they don't know and have difficulty asserting themselves. They could also be at greater risk of sexual assault or domestic violence since they lack contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters can find effective ways to cope to help manage symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to understand their thoughts and feelings and replace negative behaviors to healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to resolve the issues that girls and women with ADHD have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings or difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It can be accompanied by an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to suffer from sexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit the same behavior patterns that males and females. They may be unfocused or restless, and always moving. They also talk a lot and make rash decisions. These issues can lead to them being rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behavior. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI), which can include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true in the adolescent years.
While these symptoms can make it difficult for people to function in the workplace or at school, a lot of women and girls who suffer from ADHD are adept at hiding them. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist. It can also prevent people from noticing that they struggle to stay focused or easily 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 of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors, which may cause a misdiagnosis for females or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as related to ADHD and may be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD, a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can also boost concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce stress, anxiety and depression in those with the disorder. It can be helpful to speak with an accredited dietitian to devise a plan that works best for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion but when it gets out of control and impacts your daily life you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in normal or everyday situations. They persist even when there's any reason to be concerned and cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women as men, and they can impact work and personal relationships.
The gender can also affect how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. These mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep enough which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life based on your age, gender and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms you experience may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more noticeable during menstruation, or they can flare up during periods of heightened stress such as the break-up of a relationship, a job loss, or an important life event.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. Try listening to calming music or meditative before going to bed and limit screen time to increase your quality of sleep. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.