ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less apparent than the men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates medication and lifestyle strategies can improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or fails to complete a task occasionally, but people with inattentive ADHD cannot seem to keep their way to the things they require in everyday life. They may leave work documents on their desks, fail to pick up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their houses are often filled with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have expensive consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble managing academic and social rejection than other students. They may develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers which can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to alleviate these issues with a heightened confidence that can result in high-risk actions like alcohol or drug use, prostitution and/or involvement in gangs.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change as time passes. However, it's important to undergo a thorough medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a trained health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They'll also be looking 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 medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance concentration and decrease impulsivity. add symptoms adults , such as clonidine and atomoxetine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse side negative effects. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD learn to modify their environment and develop coping techniques that will minimize their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and not recognize the impact of their condition on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized and this can lead to problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other illnesses, like anxiety or depression. These comorbidities may directly impact their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have trouble keeping friendships up, due to the way that their symptoms affect them socially. It may also be more difficult for them to get treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Many women hide their symptoms which can result in them not being diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is especially the case when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. Hormones also have a direct effect on certain parts of the mind including executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Young women and girls with ADHD can be more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at greater chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners that they aren't certain about, and they may have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be more at risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they lack contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can benefit from effective strategies to cope that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to understand their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative behaviors for healthier ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the challenges that women and girls with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulty coping with criticism or stress and vulnerability to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They could also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
The same impulsive symptoms that both boys and men with ADHD experience may also be seen in women and girls suffering from the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly on the go, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making quick decisions without thinking it through. These problems can also result in them being rude or rude, as well engaging in risky behavior. In addition, some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting, burning or scratching particularly during the adolescent years.
Many girls and women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, even though they may be unable to function at school or at work. This can make them appear more conscientious or a perfectionist. It could also deter others from noticing that they have trouble staying focused or easily distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors and may lead to under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be identified as being connected to ADHD and may be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration, as well as release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help create a plan for your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control and becomes a problem in your daily routine, you could have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and a fear of the unknown in benign or regular situations. They are present even when there is any reason to worry, and they cause you physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can impact relationships and work.
The gender can also affect how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This can cause social problems, such as broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. These mood swings can cause insomnia which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, depending on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more evident during menstrual cycles, or when you're under stress such as the breakup of a relationship or job loss, or major life events.
A good night's sleep can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to go to bed at the same time every night, and establish a regular wakeup time. To get better sleep you can try listening to relaxing music before bed or practicing meditation. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes per day or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to sunlight.