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 girls and women than they are in males and females. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates medication and lifestyle strategies can improve relationships and set people up for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those with inattentive ADHD can't stop losing their way to the things they require in everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have trouble keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more difficulty managing academic failure and social rejection than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can result in depression and emotional distress. mood. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by developing a confidence which could lead them into high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang participation.
For adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD since symptoms can change over time. It's crucial to undergo a an exhaustive mental and medical assessment so that a skilled healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities as well as allergies and medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD can be treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. The most common ADHD drugs are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or Clonidine are available if stimulants don't work or cause adverse side effects. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping techniques which will help reduce the symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps them change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. Adults may also benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up an effective routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to understand and may not realize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a hard managing their time or staying organized, which could lead to issues at school and at work, as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities may have a direct effect on their symptoms, and how they manage their symptoms.
Due to the way ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult for them to access treatment since they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD still favor male behaviors. Women also have the ability to mask their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
A second challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially relevant in the course of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an impact on certain areas of the mind including executive functions, verbal memories sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone rises after ovulation and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls with ADHD can be more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with partners they don't know and have difficulty asserting themselves. They could also be more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they lack contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can develop efficient strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and replace negative patterns of behavior for more healthy ones. In some instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, issues coping with criticism or stress and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other types of victimization. They also may be more prone to develop psychosexual problems, including sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. As a result, females suffering from ADHD are often more likely to seek treatment later in life.
The same impulsive behaviors that both boys and men with ADHD experience may also be seen in girls and women with the disorder, for example, being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making decisions without thinking it through. These issues can result in them becoming abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviors. Some women and girls with ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is particularly true during adolescence.
Many women and girls with ADHD can mask these symptoms, even though they may make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more diligent or perfectionists. It can also prevent others noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying focused. Some women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors and may result in under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet high in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve concentration and mood for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus as well as release feel good neurotransmitters which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is beneficial to talk with a registered dietitian to create a plan that works best for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, but when it gets out of hand and affects your daily life you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by unease, distress and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They are present even when there is little or no reason to be worried and cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent for women than men, and can interfere with your personal and professional relationships.
Gender can also play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Women with ADHD and anxiety frequently experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can cause social problems such as strained relationships and unfulfilling careers. These mood swings can make it difficult to sleep and can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, depending on your gender age, gender, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate during the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle, or they can flare up during periods of stress like the break-up of a relationship, a job loss, or an important life occasion.
Getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to fall asleep at the same time each night, and establish an established wake-up time. Try listening to calming music or meditative before going to bed and limit screen time to enhance the quality of your sleep. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.