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 those of boys and men who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like those during menstruation or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes medication and lifestyle strategies can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are incapable of keeping up with their daily demands. They might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and be unable to keep up with conversations. They may leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep pace during conversations. Their homes are often strewn with unwashed dishes and clutter. They're more prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble dealing with academic and social rejection as compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability for them to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can result in feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a confidence, which can result in high-risk activities such as drug and alcohol use, promiscuity or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change in time. It is important to undergo a complete medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also look for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders as well as allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. The most commonly used ADHD medication is stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help improve focus and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, are employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse effects. In addition, therapy can assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD learn to modify their environment and develop coping skills that can reduce the symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. Adults can also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to create the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might be unable to recognize the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized which can cause issues at work and school, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These complications can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Because of the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult to receive treatment as they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women can hide their symptoms, which can result in them not being diagnosed and not being treated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is particularly true when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an effect on the function of certain parts of the brain including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is elevated. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls with ADHD can be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with people who aren't familiar with and have difficulties asserting themselves. They could also be at risk of sexual abuse and domestic violence, due to the fact that they do not have a means of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective ways to cope to help manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts, and to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to have trouble managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulty dealing with criticism or stress. It could be manifested as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They are also more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. As a result, women with ADHD may often be more likely to seek treatment in adulthood.
Women and girls with ADHD may exhibit similar aggressive behaviors that males and females. They can be fidgety or restless and always moving. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These problems can also lead to them being abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behavior. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also prone to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI), which can include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true in the adolescent stage.
Many girls and women with ADHD can hide these signs even though they be unable to function at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more meticulous or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent others from noticing they are unable to stay on track or get distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could result in under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as being related to ADHD and can be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can improve mood and attention for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can assist you to develop a plan to meet your specific requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, however, when it gets out of control and impacts your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and a fear of the unknown in normal or everyday situations. They are present when there is no reason to be concerned and can cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues that can result in strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. symptoms of add can cause insomnia which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, your age and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more evident during menstrual cycle, or they can flare up during periods of stress like breaking up, job loss or a major life event.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and establish a regular time to get up. Try listening to soothing music or meditate prior to going to bed, and reduce screen time to increase the quality of your sleep. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Try eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to natural sunlight.