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 apparent in women and girls than they are in boys and men. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and set people up for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment sometimes, but people with inattentive ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they require in everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have costly consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble managing social rejection and academic underachievement than their peers. They might develop coping strategies that are not effective, such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support which can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to overcome these issues by gaining a confidence which could result in high-risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change over time. It's crucial to undergo a thorough medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a certified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They'll also consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. The most popular ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or Clonidine may be used when stimulants are not effective or cause side-effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD modify their environment and learn coping skills to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. Adults may also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them create the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and not realize 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 as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to suffer from other conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms impact their social. It may also be more difficult to receive treatment as they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms which can cause them to not be diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day to day. This is especially the case when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have a direct impact on the functioning of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions, verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone rises after ovulation and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with partners they don't know and are a hard time asserting themselves. They may also be more at risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they are not contraceptive.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters may find effective coping techniques that will help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to comprehend their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out bad habits for healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that women and girls with ADHD have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, difficulty in coping with stress or criticism and sensitivity to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, females with ADHD may often be more likely to seek assistance in adulthood.
The same impulsive symptoms that both boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls with the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly at a loss, irritable or agitated, talking too much, and making rash decisions without considering them. These issues can cause them to be rude or unkind, as well being prone to risky behaviors. Additionally, certain girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prone to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which includes cutting or burning, especially in the adolescent stage.
Although these issues can make it difficult for people to cope in the workplace or school, many girls and women with ADHD are adept at hiding them. This can make them seem more meticulous or an idealist, and it can prevent others from noticing that they are unable to stay on track or get distracted. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior which can lead to a misdiagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve concentration and mood for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters which reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It can be helpful to consult an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, if it becomes out of control and impacts your daily functioning it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent and an excessive fear in normal or everyday situations. They are present even when there is little or any reason to be concerned and cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. adhd symptoms adults are twice as prevalent in women than men, and can interfere with your personal and professional relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems that can result in strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. Mood swings can also make it harder to sleep well which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, depending on your gender 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 or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more apparent during menstrual cycles, or when you're under stress like a breakup or job loss major life events.
Sleeping enough can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD So, try to sleep at the same time every night, and set a regular wakeup time. Try listening to music that is calming or meditate prior to going to bed, and reduce screen time to enhance your quality of sleep. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try cutting out foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats and protein that is lean. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day or employ the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.