ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms can be less evident than the men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may have symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication strategies can improve relationships and set people up for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those with inattentive ADHD aren't able to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They might leave work-related documents on their desks and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their houses are often filled with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are prone to make careless mistakes that can have costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection, as well as academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers which can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a sense of bravado, which can cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change over time. It's important that you have an extensive mental and medical evaluation to ensure that a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They will consider the person's behaviour in the past and present and past events, including childhood ones. They'll also check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Adults with inattentive ADHD can be treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like clonidine and atomoxetine, are employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse effects. In addition, therapy can assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD learn to modify their environment and develop coping techniques that will minimize the symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. Adults may also benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them set up an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel understood, and they may have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their disorders impact their lives. They may have difficulty to remain focused or organized and this can lead to problems at school and work as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities could directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage their symptoms.
Girls and women with ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships due to the way their symptoms affect their social. This can also make it harder to seek treatment because they are less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms, which can cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is particularly relevant when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an influence on specific areas of the brain including executive functions, verbal memory, sleep and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone is elevated. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. adhd symptoms women are more likely to engage in sexual activities with people they don't know and have a hard time asserting their rights. They could also be more at risk of sexual assault or domestic violence because they do not have contraception.
Girls and women suffering from adhd can benefit from efficient strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts and to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that girls and women 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 may manifest as mood swings or difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It can also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They could also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like promiscuity, or a higher chance of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that men and boys. These include being constantly frenzied or agitated and moving. They may also talk excessively and make rapid decisions. These problems can also lead to them being rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behavior. Additionally, some girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning, especially in the adolescent years.
Many women and girls with ADHD can hide these signs even though they make it difficult to cope at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more meticulous or a perfectionist. It can also prevent others from noticing that they struggle to stay focused or easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies like drinking alcohol or other drugs to mask their issues.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior which can lead to a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and may be absorbed. This can cause feelings of self-doubt or shame.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress and depression in those with the disorder. It is helpful to consult a registered dietitian to create a plan that works best for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control, and interferes with your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress and an excessive fear in benign or regular situations. They can be present even when there's any reason to worry and cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect relationships and work.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Women with ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can lead social problems, like strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. Mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep enough which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, depending on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles or when they flare up during periods of heightened stress such as breaking up, job loss or any major life event.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and set a regular time to wake up. To get better sleep, try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day or use a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.