ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. Yet these symptoms may be less apparent than those of boys and men, which can lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also suffer from 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 includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can enhance relationships and help people succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and fails to complete a task occasionally, but people with inattention ADHD aren't able to keep their way to the things they require for everyday life. They might leave work documents on their desks or fail to take care of laundry or empty trash cans, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often messy and not cleaned. They're more prone to making errors that can have costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection, and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or access peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They might try to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a self-confidence, which can cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change as time passes. It's crucial to undergo a thorough mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders learning disabilities, cognitive decline and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Adults with inattentive ADHD can be treated using therapy, lifestyle modifications and medication. The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They improve focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause side effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to minimize their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. Adults may also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them set up the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel understood, and they may be unable to recognize the impact their conditions have on their life. They may have a difficult time staying focused or well-organized, which can lead to problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other illnesses, like anxiety or depression. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Because of the way ADHD affects women and girls, they may develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult to receive treatment since they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors. Many women can mask their symptoms, which could cause them to not be diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd may differ from day to day, especially when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct impact on certain areas of the brain, such as executive functions, verbal memory and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone increases. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual interactions with partners that they aren't certain about, and have a harder time asserting their desires. They could also be at greater risk of sexual assault or domestic violence because they do not have contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters might find effective strategies for coping that will help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better manage their emotions and thoughts, and to replace unhealthy patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties managing stress or criticism. It may be manifested as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They may also be more likely to develop sexual issues, including sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. adult signs of adhd with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
The same impulsive symptoms that men and boys with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls with the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or restless, talking a lot, and making rash decisions without thinking it through. These problems can also cause them to be abrasive or unkind, aswell being prone to risky behaviors. In addition, some girls and women who suffer from ADHD may be susceptible to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly during adolescence.
While these symptoms can make it difficult to function in the workplace or at school, a lot of girls and women with ADHD are skilled at masking these symptoms. This can make them appear more diligent or even perfectionists. This can prevent others noticing that they are easily distracted or having difficulty keeping their focus. Some women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies like drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their issues.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed towards male behaviors which could cause a misdiagnosis for females or girls. adult signs of adhd of ADHD might not be recognized and internalized. This can result in feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can boost mood and attention for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is helpful to consult an accredited dietitian to devise a plan that works best for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, if it becomes out of hand and affects your daily functioning it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in normal or everyday situations. They persist even when there's little or any reason to be concerned and cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can impact work and relationships.
The gender can also affect how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which could be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social issues, such as broken relationships and unsuccessful careers. The mood swings can also cause insomnia which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life, based on your gender, age and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms you experience may fluctuate throughout the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more noticeable during menstruation or become more prominent during periods of heightened stress such as a break-up, a job loss, or a major life occasion.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD So, try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and set a regular wakeup time. Try listening to soothing music or meditative before going to bed and limit screen time to increase your sleep quality. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also 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 natural sunlight.
