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 those of men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the 4 years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for living and medication can improve relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment sometimes, but people with inattention ADHD can't stop losing track of the things they require for everyday life. They might forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have trouble in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They are susceptible to making mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is also associated with a greater difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies to cope, including self-harming behavior and an inability for them to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can lead to emotional distress and a low mood. this contact form may attempt to alleviate these issues by displaying a strong confidence that can result in high-risk behaviors such as alcohol or drug prostitution, or involvement in groups.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change in time. It is important to undergo a complete medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a trained health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medications. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause side consequences. In addition, therapy can assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills that will minimize the symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them how to modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be helpful for adults, helping them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and not be aware of the impact of their conditions on their lives. They may have difficulty to stay organized or focused, which can cause problems at work and school and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These co-morbidities can have an immediate influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships due to how their symptoms affect them socially. It may also be more difficult for them to access 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. Women can hide their symptoms, which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd change from day-to-day particularly during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct impact on certain areas of the brain that are involved in executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone rises. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient and more prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are at greater risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners who they aren't sure about, and they have difficulties asserting their needs. They can also be vulnerable to sexual abuse and domestic violence, because they may not have access to contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can develop efficient strategies for coping to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy to better manage their emotions and thoughts, and to replace harmful behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that women and girls with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD may be more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, issues dealing with stress or criticism and sensitivity to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. This means that females with ADHD may often be more likely to seek treatment later in life.
The same impulsive behaviors that boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be seen in women and girls suffering from the disorder, such as being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or restless, talking a lot and making quick decisions without considering them. These problems can also result in them becoming rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behavior. Additionally, certain girls and women with ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting or burning particularly in adolescence.
Many girls and women with ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent others from noticing they struggle to stay on track or get distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies which include the use of drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed towards male behavior, which may 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.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can boost mood and attention for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your individual requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. add symptoms in adults are characterised by a sense of unease, discomfort and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They are present even when there is little or no reason to be worried and cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect work and relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues like strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. Mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep well and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times of your life based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more evident during menstrual cycles or during times of stress such as an breakup or job loss, or major life events.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time every night and establish a time when you wake up. To get better sleep try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes each day or employ an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.