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 in males and females. This could cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, like those during menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication strategies can help 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 might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and struggle to keep up with conversations. They may leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their homes are often strewn with dishes that have not been cleaned. They are susceptible to making careless mistakes that can have expensive consequences.
Attention-deficit ADHD in females is also associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection, as well as academic failure compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways for coping, like self-harming behavior and an inability to keep friendships or to access peer support. This can lead to emotional distress and a low mood. They may try to overcome these issues by developing a sense of bravado and may result in high-risk activities such as drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change over time. It's important that you have a complete medical and mental assessment so that a skilled healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse negative effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattention ADHD modify their environment and develop coping strategies to minimize their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches them to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to establish an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and may not realize the impact of their condition on their lives. add symptoms in women may find it difficult to stay organized or focused, which can cause problems at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities may directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage them.
Because of the way ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult to receive treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior. Women also have the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct influence on specific areas of the brain, such as executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone rises. This can cause an increase in 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 activities with people who aren't familiar with and have difficulties asserting their rights. They could also be at a higher risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they do not have contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts, and to replace unhealthy patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to tackle the issues women and girls with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This could manifest as mood swings, difficulties in coping with stress or criticism and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They may also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. This means that females suffering from ADHD may often be more likely to seek assistance as they grow older.
The same impulsive signs that boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be seen in girls and women with the disorder, such as being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or restless, talking excessively, and making rash decisions without thinking it through. These issues can result in them becoming rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behaviors. Additionally, some girls and women with ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting, burning or scratching, especially in adolescence.
While these signs can make it difficult for people to cope in the workplace or school, many girls and women with ADHD are skilled at masking them. This can make them appear more diligent or perfectionists. It also can stop others from noticing that they're easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior which can result in a misdiagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms may not be recognized as connected to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve concentration and mood for teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, stress and depression among those suffering from the disorder. A registered dietitian can help make a plan that meets your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it becomes out of control, and interferes with your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by unease, distress and excessive fear in normal or benign situations. They persist when there is no reason to be concerned, and result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can affect work and relationships.
The gender of your partner can play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings that can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social problems such as strained relationships and unfulfilling careers. These mood swings can cause insomnia which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life depending on your gender, age and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman with ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more noticeable when menstruating or during stressful times, such as an breakup, job loss, or major life events.
Getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to sleep at the same time every night, and set an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. To improve your sleep, try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try eating plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.