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 those of men and boys and can result in underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women may also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like those during menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can enhance relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or fails to complete a task at times, but those with inattention ADHD aren't able to keep their focus on the things they require in everyday life. They may leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They're prone to making careless mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more trouble managing academic failure and social rejection than other students. They may develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behaviors and inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers which can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by developing a strong sense of bravado which could cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because symptoms may change in time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical assessment so that a skilled healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnose. They will consider the person's behaviour in the past and present as well as childhood experiences. They will also check for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance focus and reduce impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or Clonidine are available if stimulants do not work or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their surroundings and develop coping strategies that will minimize their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. Adults are also able to benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them create the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel accepted, and may be unable to recognize the impact their conditions have on their life. They may have difficulty to stay organized or focused, which can cause problems at work and school and in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage their symptoms.
Because of the way ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. This can also make it more challenging for them to seek help and treatment, since they may be less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to mask their symptoms, which can result in them not being diagnosed and untreated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd may differ from day to day particularly during hormonal changes, like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct effect on certain parts of the mind including executive functions, memory of words, sleep and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls with ADHD can be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners they are not sure about, and they have a harder time asserting their needs. They can also be at risk of sexual abuse and domestic violence, because they may not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd might find effective strategies for coping to help to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit by undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve their understanding and control of their thoughts and emotions and to replace harmful patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to tackle the issues girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, issues in coping with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other types of victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar aggressive behaviors that males and females. They can be fidgety or restless and always moving. They also talk excessively and make quick decisions. These issues can cause them to be rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behaviors. In addition, some girls and women who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in adolescence.
While these signs can make it difficult for people to function in the workplace or at school, a lot of women and girls with ADHD are adept at hiding their symptoms. This can make them appear more conscientious or a perfectionist, and it can prevent others from noticing they struggle to stay focused or easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking alcohol or other drugs to mask their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior and could cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and internalized. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can boost concentration and mood for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. adhd in women symptoms can boost focus and concentration and release good neurotransmitters, which can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable, and interferes with your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by a sense of unease, discomfort and a high level of fear in normal or benign situations. They can be present even when there's any reason to be concerned, and they cause you physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can affect how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings that can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead to social issues, such as broken relationships and unfulfilling careers. These mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep enough and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable during certain periods of your life, based on your gender age, gender and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms you experience may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or when they become more prominent during periods of stress, such as a break-up, a job loss or a major life event.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and set a regular time to get up. Try listening to soothing music or meditate prior to going to bed, and reduce screen time to improve your quality of sleep. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.