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 women and girls than they are for boys and men. This could result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for living and medication can improve relationships and assist people to get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or fails to complete a task sometimes, but people with inattentive ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they require in everyday life. They might leave work-related documents on their desks, fail to pick up the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They're prone to making careless errors that can have costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD for females is associated with a higher difficulty coping with social rejection and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or get support from peers which can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by developing a sense of bravado and may cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD since symptoms can appear to change as time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation to ensure that a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's behaviour in the past and present, including childhood events. They'll also look for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration as well as allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD are treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. The most popular ADHD drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or Clonidine may be used when stimulants do not work or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping techniques which will help reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be beneficial for adults, helping them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to understand and may not be aware of the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a tough managing their time or staying organized, which could cause difficulties at school and work, as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to have other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities may directly impact their symptoms, and how they manage those symptoms.
Because of the way ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have difficulty maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult to receive treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors. Many women hide their symptoms which can cause them to not be diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
A second challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day. This is particularly true when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. Hormones also have an impact on certain areas of the mind including executive functions, verbal memories, sleep and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen decreases in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with people they don't know and have difficulty asserting their rights. They may also be at risk of being victims of sexual domestic violence and abuse since they might not have access to contraception.
Girls and women suffering from adhd can find efficient strategies for coping to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to comprehend their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulties in coping with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. In turn, females with ADHD tend to be more likely to seek help later in life.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar impulsive behaviors as men and boys. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and on the move. add symptoms adults can also talk excessively and make rapid decisions. These problems can also cause them to be rude or unkind, aswell engaging in risky behavior. In addition, some girls and women with ADHD may be susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting or burning particularly during the adolescent years.
Although these issues can make it hard to cope in the workplace or school, many girls and women with ADHD are adept at hiding them. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent others from noticing they have trouble staying on track or get distracted. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking alcohol or other drugs to mask their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors, which could result in under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can lead to feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can improve concentration and mood for adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is helpful to consult a registered dietitian to create the best plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, if it becomes out of control and affects your daily functioning it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in normal or routine situations. They are present even when there is any reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women than men, and can impact work and personal relationships.
Gender can also play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This can cause social problems, such as broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. The mood swings can make it harder to sleep well which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life based on your gender, age and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or when they be more severe during times of heightened stress such as a break-up, a job loss, or any major life event.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and set a regular time to get up. Try listening to soothing music or meditative before going to bed, and reduce screen time to improve your sleep quality. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try eating plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to natural sunlight.