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 girls and women than they are for males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms exacerbated by hormonal changes such as during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and help people succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to do an assignment occasionally, but people with inattention ADHD can't stop losing their focus on the things they need for everyday life. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have trouble in keeping up with 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.
Inattentive ADHD in females is associated with a greater difficulty in coping with social rejection, and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies of coping, such as self-harming and an inability to keep friendships or to access peer support. This can lead to feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may compensate for these issues with a heightened sense bravado which can lead to high-risk activities like alcohol or drug use, prostitution and/or involvement in gangs.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change over time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical assessment so that a skilled healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnose. They'll take into account the patient's present and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities as well as allergies and medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD are treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and medication. The most commonly used ADHD medication is stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They improve focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse negative effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattention ADHD modify their environment and develop coping strategies to reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be beneficial for adults, assisting them to establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling acknowledged, and they might struggle to comprehend the impact that their disorders have on their life. They may have difficulty to stay organized or focused, 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 complications can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the way ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. This may make it harder to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be recommended by parents or teachers. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Many women hide their symptoms, which could cause them to not be diagnosed and thus not being treated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially true during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have an effect on the functioning of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions such as sleep, verbal memory and concentration.
Progesterone rises after ovulation and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women who have ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient, and more prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activities with partners that they are not sure about, and they may have difficulties asserting their desires. They may also be more at risk of sexual assault or domestic violence since they do not have contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can develop efficient strategies for coping that help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to better be aware of their thoughts and feelings and swap out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulty dealing with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other types of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual problems, including promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit the same behavior patterns that males and females. adhd in adult women symptoms may be constantly frenzied or agitated and moving. They can also talk a lot and make rash decisions. These issues can result in them being rude or unkind, as well as engage in risky behavior. Some women and girls with ADHD are also prone to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is particularly true in the adolescent stage.
Many girls and women with ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they cause difficulties at school or in the workplace. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent people from noticing that they struggle to stay on track or get distracted. Women with ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
The rating scales for diagnosing ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors, which may cause a misdiagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve mood and attention for adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. A registered dietitian can assist you to make a plan that meets your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control, and interferes with your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in benign or regular situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to be concerned, and result in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can impact relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social issues, such as broken relationships and unsuccessful careers. Mood swings may also cause insomnia which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times in your life, based on your age, gender, and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more apparent during menstrual cycles, or they can become more prominent during periods of heightened stress such as breaking up, job loss, or a major life event.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time each night and establish a regular time to wake up. Try listening to calming music or meditate prior to going to bed, and limit screen time to increase the quality of your sleep. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Try eating lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day, or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to sunlight.