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 apparent than the men and boys and can result in underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the four years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that includes medication and lifestyle strategies can improve relationships and set people up for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and forgets to complete an assignment sometimes, but people with inattention ADHD can't stop losing their way to 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 usually cluttered with dishes that have not been cleaned. They are prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty coping with academic and social rejection than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, like self-harming behavior and an inability to sustain friendships or gain access to peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They may try to cope with these difficulties by gaining a confidence and may cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, or gang involvement.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change over time. It's important that you have a complete medical and mental evaluation to ensure that a qualified 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 consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders learning disabilities, cognitive decline and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with 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, such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. In addition, therapy can assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills that will minimize their symptoms. symptoms of adhd adult can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps them reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults may also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up a schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their symptoms affect their lives. They may find it difficult to stay organized or focused and this can lead to problems at school and work as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other illnesses, like anxiety or depression. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It is also more difficult for them to access treatment since they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd may differ from day to day particularly during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In adult female add symptoms , 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 can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who have ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient, and more prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with partners that they aren't certain about, and they have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be at risk of being victims of sexual domestic violence and abuse because they may not have a method of contraception.
Women and girls with adhd 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 be aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior for more healthy ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to resolve the issues that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It may also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual problems, including sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. As a result, women with ADHD tend to be more likely to seek help as they grow older.
The same impulsive symptoms that men and boys with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, for example, being fidgety, always at a loss, irritable or restless, talking excessively, and making rash decisions without thinking it through. These problems can also result in them becoming aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviors. In addition, some women and girls with ADHD may be susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in adolescence.
Many women and girls with ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more conscientious or even perfectionists. It can also prevent others from noticing that they're easily distracted or having difficulty staying on task. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover their difficulties.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior which can result in a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can also boost concentration and focus, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people with the disorder. It can be helpful to speak with an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, if it becomes out of control and affects your daily activities it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and a high level of anxiety in benign or normal situations. They are present even when there is no reason to be worried, and they cause you physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social issues, such as broken relationships and unfulfilling careers. Mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times in your life, based on your age, gender and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman suffering from ADHD your symptoms could change throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or become more prominent during periods of stress like a break-up, a job loss or an important life event.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and set a regular time to wake up. To help you sleep better, try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to sunlight.