ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are more subtle in women and girls than they are in males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms worsened due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for lifestyle and medication can enhance relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are not able to keep track of their daily needs. They may forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash cans and may struggle to keep up with conversations. They might leave work-related documents on their desks or fail to take care of garbage or empty trash bins and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are prone to making mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD are also more difficult in managing academic and social rejection as compared to their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, such as self-harming behaviour and inability to sustain friendships or access peer support that can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to alleviate these difficulties with a strong sense bravado which can result in high-risk actions such as alcohol or drug use, prostitution and/or involvement in groups.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change as time. It is important to have a full medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a certified health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's behaviour in the past and present 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 cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Adults with inattentive ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. The most popular ADHD drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants don't work or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their surroundings and develop coping strategies that will minimize their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches them to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can be beneficial for adults, helping them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time feeling accepted, and may have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their disorders affect their lives. They may have difficulty to remain focused or organized and this can lead to problems at school and work as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities could directly impact their symptoms, and how they manage those symptoms.
Girls and women with ADHD can develop low self-esteem and have trouble keeping friendships up, due to the way their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult for them to get treatment because they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male-dominated behaviors. Many women hide their symptoms, which can cause them to not be diagnosed and not being treated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable during hormonal changes, like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an influence on specific areas of the brain that are involved in executive functions, verbal memories sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This causes ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient and more prone to conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with people they don't know and have a hard time asserting their rights. They may also be more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they are not contraceptive.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters might find effective strategies for coping to help to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to better be aware of their thoughts and feelings and swap out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. In some instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to have trouble managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties managing stress or criticism. It may be accompanied by sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They may also be more prone to develop sexual issues, such as promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females with ADHD may often be more likely to seek assistance as they grow older.
The same impulsive behaviors that boys and men with ADHD experience may also be seen in girls and women with the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly on the go, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without considering them. These issues can result in them becoming aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviours. In addition, some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting, burning or scratching particularly during adolescence.
Although these issues can make it difficult for people to function in the workplace or at school, many women and girls with ADHD are adept at masked their symptoms. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist. It can prevent others from noticing that they have trouble staying on task or are easily distracted. Women with ADHD have unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol or drugs to deal with their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors, which could cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. adhd in women symptoms may not be identified as being connected to ADHD and may be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits whole grains, healthy fats and protein can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can assist you to create a plan for your specific requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion but when it gets out of hand and affects your daily functioning it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and a fear of the unknown in benign or regular situations. They are present when there is no reason to be worried, and result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. adhd in men symptoms affect more women than men and can impact relationships and work.
The gender can also affect how you deal with 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 strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. The mood swings can make it difficult to sleep enough which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable during certain periods of your life, depending on your gender age, gender and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate during the month, or during menopausal pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles, or they can become more prominent during periods of stress, such as breaking up, job loss, or any major life occasion.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. To get better sleep try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day or use the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.