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 obvious in women and girls than they are in males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes, such as during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the four years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates medication and lifestyle strategies can improve relationships and prepare people for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are incapable of keeping up with their daily demands. They may forget to pick up the laundry or empty the trash bins, and they may struggle to keep up with conversations. They may leave work documents on a desk or fail to take care of garbage or empty trash bins and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their houses are often filled with dishes that have not been cleaned. They are more prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty dealing with academic and social rejection than their peers. They might develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, like self-harming behaviors and an inability to sustain friendships or access peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to overcome these issues by developing a strong self-confidence, which can cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change as time passes. It is important to undergo a complete medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's past and present behavior, including childhood events. They'll also consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse negative effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and learn coping skills to reduce their symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them to modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can be helpful for adults, assisting them to establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might struggle to comprehend the impact that their symptoms affect their lives. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized which can cause issues at school and work, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. add symptoms can have a direct influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have difficulty maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult for them to access treatment because they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms which can result in them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can vary from day to day particularly when hormonal changes occur, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have a direct effect on certain parts of the brain including executive functions, verbal memories and sleep, as well as 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 may be more impulsive, impatient, and prone to conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with people they don't know and are difficulty asserting themselves. They may also be at greater risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they lack contraception.
Girls and women with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that will help them to manage the 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 behaviors with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings or difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It could be manifested as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They could also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like promiscuity or a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit the same behavior patterns that men and boys. These include being constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They can also talk a lot and make quick decisions. These issues can cause them to be abrasive or rude, as well engaging in risky behavior. Additionally, some girls and women with ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in the adolescent stage.
Many girls and women with ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more conscientious or an idealist, and it can also prevent people from noticing that they are unable to stay on track or get distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using drugs or alcohol to mask their problems.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors, which may result in a misdiagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms may not be identified as being related to ADHD and may be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can help improve concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can help you develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion but when it gets out of hand and affects your daily activities it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and a high level of fear in normal or benign situations. They are present even when there is no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent for women than males, and they can affect work and personal relationships.
The gender of your partner can affect the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems, such as strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times of your life based on your age, gender, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during stressful times like the breakup of a relationship or job loss, or major life events.
A good night's sleep can reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to go to bed at the same time every night, and establish an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. 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 cutting out foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.