ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms can be less apparent than the men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can enhance relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are not able to keep track of their daily needs. They might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and may struggle to keep up with conversations. They might forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have trouble keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They are more prone to make careless mistakes that can have expensive consequences.
signs of attention deficit disorder in adults with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty dealing with academic and social rejection as compared to their peers. They might develop coping strategies that are not effective, 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 cope with these difficulties by developing a confidence and may lead them into high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change over time. It's crucial to undergo a thorough mental and medical health assessment so that a qualified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now, including childhood events. They will also check for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medications. The most popular ADHD medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help improve focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine, can be employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse negative effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD learn to modify their environment and develop coping skills that can reduce the symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches them how to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be useful for adults, helping them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to understand and may not be aware of the impact of their condition on their lives. They may have a difficult to stay focused or well-organized, which can result in problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to have other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Due to the way ADHD affects girls and women in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult for them to get treatment as 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. Many women also have the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is particularly relevant in the course of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct influence on specific areas of the mind that are involved in executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases following ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone is elevated. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual interactions with partners who they aren't sure about, and they may have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be vulnerable to sexual domestic violence and abuse due to the fact that they do not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd may find effective coping techniques that will help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and swap out negative behaviors for more healthy ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD may be more likely to experience difficulties managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, issues dealing with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other forms of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including promiscuity or a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive signs that men and boys with ADHD experience may also be observed in girls and women with the disorder, for example, being fidgety, constantly on the go, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without thinking it through. These problems can also cause them to be rude or unkind, as well being prone to risky behaviors. In addition, some women and girls with ADHD are susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in the adolescent years.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more diligent or even perfectionists. It also can stop others noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Women who suffer from ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies that include using drugs or alcohol to mask their problems.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior which can result in a misdiagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms might not be recognized as being connected to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can boost the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. It can be helpful to consult an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control and affects your daily life, you could have an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress and an excessive fear in normal or routine situations. They persist when there is no reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women as males, and they can interfere with your personal and professional relationships.
The gender can also affect how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which could be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can cause social problems such as strained relationships and unsuccessful careers. Mood swings may also cause insomnia and can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent at certain times in your life, depending on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman with ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more evident during menstrual cycles or during stressful times such as an breakup or job loss major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and establish a time when you wake up. To improve your sleep try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day or employ an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.