ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. Yet these symptoms may be less noticeable than the men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women may have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle strategies and medication can enhance relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are incapable of keeping up with their daily demands. They may not remember to clean up the laundry or empty the trash cans and struggle to keep up with conversations. They might forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have trouble keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often messy and not cleaned. They are more prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have expensive consequences.
signs of attention deficit disorder in adults who have inattention ADHD also have more difficulty dealing with 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 get support from peers which can cause depression and emotional distress. They may try to overcome these issues by developing a confidence and may result in high-risk activities such as drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change in time. However, it's important to undergo a thorough medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants are not effective or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. Adults are also able to benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them set up the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD might find it difficult to be understood and may not recognize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a difficult to stay focused or organized, which could cause issues at school and at work and in their private lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the way ADHD affects women and girls, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. This may make it more difficult to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to receive referrals by teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behavior. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms, which can cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable during hormonal changes, like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct impact on certain areas of the brain, such as executive functions, verbal memories, sleep and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases following ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is elevated. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
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 activities with people who aren't familiar with and have a hard time asserting their rights. They could also be at a higher risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they lack contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters may find effective coping techniques to help manage symptoms. They can also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions and to replace harmful behaviors with healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, difficulties dealing with stress or criticism and sensitivity to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to experience sexual problems, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that boys and men. They may be fidgety or restless and always moving. They can also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These issues can lead to them being aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behavior. Some girls and women with ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is particularly true in the adolescent stage.
Many girls and women with ADHD can hide these signs, even though they may make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist. It can prevent people from noticing that they are unable to stay on task or are easily distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior, which may result in a misdiagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms might not be recognized as connected to ADHD and can be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress and depression in those with the disorder. It can be helpful to consult an experienced dietitian to develop an appropriate plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, when it gets out of hand and affects your daily activities it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by a sense of unease, discomfort and excessive fear in normal or benign situations. They are present even when there is any reason to be concerned and can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women than men, and can interfere with work and personal relationships.
Gender can also play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are handled. Women with ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can cause social problems such as strained relationships and unfulfilling careers. These 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 of your life, based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during stressful times, such as a breakup or job loss, or major life events.
A good night's sleep can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to go to bed at the same time every night, and set an established wake-up time. Try listening to soothing music or meditative before going to bed, and reduce screen time to increase the quality of your sleep. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein that is lean. Exercise can help decrease symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes each day or employ a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.