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 noticeable than the men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes such as during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for living and medication can enhance relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those who suffer from inattention ADHD can't stop losing their way to the things they need for everyday life. They may leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are more prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to expensive consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more difficulty coping with academic failure and social rejection as compared to their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, like self-harming behaviors and inability to sustain friendships or access peer support which can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by developing a confidence, which can cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change in time. However, it's important to have a full medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They will also check for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders as well as allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD are treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants don't help or cause side negative effects. In addition, therapy can aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD learn to alter their environment and develop coping skills that can reduce the symptoms. adhd symptoms in adults can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. Adults are also able to benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them establish the right schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling acknowledged, and they might be unable to recognize the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized which can cause issues at school and work, as well as their personal lives. They are also more likely to have other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms affect their social. This can also make it more difficult for them to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be referred by parents or teachers. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behaviors. Women also have the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd differ from day to day particularly during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct influence on specific areas of the brain that are involved in executive functions, verbal memory sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This causes ADHD symptoms significantly.
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 who they aren't certain about, and they have a harder time asserting their desires. They may also be more at risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they are not contraceptive.
Girls and women with adhd can develop effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better comprehend their thoughts and feelings and replace negative patterns of behavior for more healthy ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulty managing stress or criticism. It could also manifest as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including promiscuity, or a higher chance of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
The same impulsive signs that both boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be observed in women and girls with the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without considering them. These issues can cause them to be rude or unkind, as well engaging in risky behavior. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is especially true during the adolescent years.
Although these issues can make it hard to perform at work or at school, many girls and women with ADHD are adept at hiding these symptoms. This can make them appear more careful or perfectionists. It can also prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors and may lead to under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt or shame.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet high in fruits, vegetables whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can boost focus and concentration and release good neurotransmitters that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control, and interferes with your daily life it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in benign or regular situations. They persist when there is no reason to be worried and may result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect work and relationships.
The gender of your partner can affect the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues that can result in strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. These mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more noticeable during menstruation, or they can be more severe during times of heightened stress such as the break-up of a relationship, a job loss or any major life event.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to sleep at the same time each night, and establish an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. To get better sleep you can try listening to relaxing music before bed or practicing meditation. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, 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 utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.