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 those of men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and help people succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or fails to complete a task occasionally, but people who suffer from inattention ADHD cannot seem to keep their way to the things they require for everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They're prone to making careless errors that can have costly consequences.
Attention-deficit ADHD for females is associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection, as well as academic underachievement compared to their peers. They might develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behaviors and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers that can cause depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a sense of bravado and may cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang participation.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change as time passes. It's crucial to undergo a an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnose. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They will also check for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders and learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD can be treated using therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. The most commonly used ADHD drugs are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them how to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be helpful for adults, helping them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling acknowledged, and they might struggle to comprehend the impact their conditions affect their lives. They may have difficulty to stay organized or focused, which can cause problems at work and school, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. These co-morbidities can have an immediate influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms affect them socially. This can make it harder to seek treatment and treatment, since they may be less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Many women hide their symptoms, which could cause them to not be diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can vary from day to day particularly during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. sign of adhd in adults can also have an direct impact on certain areas of the brain that are involved in executive functions, verbal memory and sleep, as well as concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with partners they don't know and are difficulty asserting themselves. They may also be vulnerable to sexual abuse and domestic violence, because they may not have access to contraception.
Women and girls with adhd may find effective coping techniques to help manage symptoms. They can also benefit by undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace unhealthy behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties managing stress or criticism. It can also manifest as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They also may be more prone to develop psychosexual problems, including sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. This means that females with ADHD are often more likely to seek assistance as they grow older.
Women and girls with ADHD may exhibit the same behavior patterns that boys and men. They can be fidgety or restless and always in motion. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These issues can cause them to be abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behavior. Women and girls with ADHD are also susceptible to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), which can include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially prevalent during the adolescent stage.
While these symptoms can make it hard to function in the workplace or school, many women and girls with ADHD are adept at hiding these symptoms. This can make them appear more diligent or perfectionists. It also can stop others noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble staying on task. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using drugs or alcohol to disguise their issues.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior which could result in a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms might not be recognized as being related to ADHD and may be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can improve concentration and mood for adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration and release good neurotransmitters that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can be helpful to consult a registered dietitian to create an appropriate plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control and affects your daily life, you could have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by distress, unease and a high level of fear in normal or benign situations. They are present even when there is no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women than men, and they can affect work and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues like tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. The mood swings can also cause insomnia and can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times of your life based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month, or during menopausal pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more noticeable during menstruation, or they can flare up during periods of stress like breaking up, job loss or an important life occasion.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time every night and set a regular time to wake up. To get better sleep you can try listening to relaxing music prior to bed or meditating. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes per day or use the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.