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 for women and girls than they are in males and boys. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication strategies can help improve relationships and set people up for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and fails to complete a task 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 difficulty maintaining a conversation. Their houses are often filled with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to expensive consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with a higher struggle to deal with social rejection, as well as academic underachievement compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or to access peer support. This can cause depression and emotional distress. mood. They may try to overcome these issues by gaining a confidence which could cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change in time. It's crucial to undergo a an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medication. The most popular ADHD medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve concentration and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, are employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse side negative effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel understood, and they may be unable to recognize the impact that their disorders impact their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized, which can cause problems at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other illnesses, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms impact their social. This can also make it more difficult for them to seek help, as they may be less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Women can hide their symptoms, which could cause them to not be diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another issue is that adhd symptoms can change from day-to-day. This is especially true when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an influence on specific areas of the brain including executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation, and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone increases. This can cause ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and susceptible 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 have difficulty expressing their needs. They could also be at risk of sexual assault and domestic violence because they may not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can benefit from efficient strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts and to replace bad behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to address the issues that women and girls with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, issues coping with criticism or stress and sensitivity to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They are also more likely to experience sexual issues, including promiscuity or a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. adhd symptoms adult with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
The same impulsive signs that boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be seen in women and girls with the disorder, such as being fidgety, constantly on the go, disruptive or restless, talking a lot and making quick decisions without thinking them through. These problems can also cause them to be abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviours. Some girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true in the adolescent years.
While these symptoms can make it hard to function in the workplace or at school, many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are skilled at masking their symptoms. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent others from noticing they are unable to stay on task or are easily distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior which could lead to a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as associated with ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce stress, anxiety and depression among those suffering from the disorder. It can be helpful to talk with an experienced dietitian to develop an appropriate plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, if it becomes out of hand and affects your daily life you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress, and excessive fright in benign or regular situations. They persist even when there's any reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect work and relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which could be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can lead social problems such as strained relationships and unsuccessful careers. These mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more apparent at certain times in your life depending on your age, gender and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms you experience may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle, or they can become more prominent during periods of heightened stress such as breaking up, job loss or an important life event.
Sleeping enough can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and set an established wake-up time. Try listening to soothing music or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to enhance the quality of your sleep. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein that is lean. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes each day or employ a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.