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 evident than the men and boys and can result in underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms worsened by hormonal changes such as during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and assist people to get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are unable to keep the track of their daily activities. They may forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash cans and may have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They may leave work documents on a desk, fail to pick up the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their houses are often filled with dishes that have not been cleaned. They are susceptible to making errors that aren't considered and can lead to expensive consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble coping with academic failure and social rejection than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or access peer support that can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by developing a self-confidence, which can cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change over time. It's important that you have an extensive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnose. They'll take into account the patient's behavior in the past and now and past events, including childhood ones. They'll also be looking for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders and allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Adults suffering from inattentive ADHD are treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications and medication. The most common ADHD medication is stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine can be employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be helpful for adults, assisting them establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to feel accepted, and may struggle to comprehend the impact their conditions impact their lives. They may have a tough to stay focused or well-organized, which can lead to difficulties at school and work, as well as in their private lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage those symptoms.
Girls and women with ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships due to how their symptoms affect their social. This can also make it more challenging to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms, which could lead to them not being diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an effect on the function of certain parts of the brain including executive functions such as verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone is elevated. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with partners who aren't familiar with and have a hard time asserting themselves. They could also be at risk of sexual assault and domestic violence because they may not have access to contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can find effective strategies to cope to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts and to replace unhealthy patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the issues that girls and women with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, issues coping with criticism or stress and vulnerability to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They are also more prone to develop psychosexual problems, including promiscuity, and a higher chance of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females with ADHD may often be more likely to seek assistance in adulthood.
The same impulsive symptoms that men and boys with ADHD experience may also be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, such as being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making decisions without considering them. These problems can also result in them becoming abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviours. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI), which can include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is particularly true in the adolescent stage.
Although these issues can make it hard to perform at work or at school, a lot of girls and women with ADHD are adept at hiding these symptoms. This can make them appear more conscientious or a perfectionist. It could also deter others from noticing they have trouble staying on task or are easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies which include the use of alcohol or drugs to disguise their issues.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed towards male behaviors which could result in a misdiagnosis of females or girls. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and internalized. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can improve concentration and mood for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and also release good neurotransmitters which reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It can be helpful to talk with an accredited dietitian to devise a plan that works best for each person.
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 an excessive fear in normal or routine situations. They can be present even when there's no reason to be worried, and they cause you physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. signs of adult adhd are twice as prevalent for women than males, and they can impact your personal and professional relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety frequently experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social problems such as strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times of your life depending on your age, gender, and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles, or they can flare up during periods of stress like the break-up of a relationship, a job loss or an important life occasion.
Sleeping enough can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and set an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. Try listening to soothing music or meditation before you go to bed, and limit screen time to increase the quality of your sleep. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise 30 minutes each day or employ a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.