ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less apparent in girls and women than they are in males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication strategies can improve relationships and prepare people for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or fails to complete a task occasionally, but people with inattention ADHD aren't able to keep their focus on the things they need for everyday life. They might leave work documents on their desks, fail to pick up the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping pace in conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're more prone to making errors that can have costly consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more difficulty coping with academic failure and social rejection than other students. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or access peer support that can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by developing a confidence, which can result in high-risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change in time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also look for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration as well as allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medication. The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help focus and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine may be used when stimulants don't work or cause side-effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD modify their environment and develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. Adults are also able to benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them create an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to understand and may not recognize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized, which can cause problems at school and work, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct effect on their symptoms, as well as how they manage their symptoms.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects women and girls, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult for them to get treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors. Women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which could result in them being undiagnosed and untreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially true in the course of hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have a direct impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions, verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is elevated. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher risk of engaging in sexual activities with partners that they aren't sure about, and they may have a harder time asserting their needs. They could also be at risk of sexual abuse and domestic violence, due to the fact that they do not have access to contraception.
Women and girls with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that can help them manage symptoms. They can 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 some instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, issues coping with criticism or stress and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other types of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Women and girls with ADHD may exhibit the same behavior patterns that boys and men. These include being fidgety or restless and always on the move. They can also talk excessively and make rapid decisions. These problems can also cause them to be rude or rude, as well being prone to risky behaviors. Additionally, certain women and girls with ADHD are susceptible to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), such as cutting, burning or scratching particularly in the adolescent years.
While these signs can make it difficult for people to cope in the workplace or at school, a lot of women and girls who suffer from ADHD are skilled at masking these symptoms. This can make them appear more conscientious or perfectionists. It can also prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble staying focused. Women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol or other drugs to mask their issues.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior which could result in a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and internalized. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet high in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can improve the mood and focus of teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration and release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people with the disorder. It can be helpful to speak with a registered dietitian to create the best plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it gets out of control, and interferes with your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by distress, unease and a high level of fear in normal or benign situations. They persist even when there's little or no reason to be worried and cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women than men, and can interfere with the work environment and personal relationships.
Gender can also play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can cause social problems such as strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. adults with adhd symptoms can also make it difficult to sleep and can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times of your life depending on your age, gender and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more noticeable when menstruating or during times of stress like a breakup or job loss, or major life events.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to sleep at the same time each night, and establish a regular wakeup time. Try listening to calming music or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to enhance your sleep quality. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.