ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are more subtle in women and girls than they are for males and boys. This can cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms exacerbated by hormonal changes such as during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and help people succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and forgets to complete an assignment occasionally, but people with inattentive ADHD cannot seem to keep their focus on the things they need for everyday life. They might leave work-related documents on a desk and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They're more prone to making mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Attention-deficit ADHD in females is also associated with a greater difficulty coping with social rejection, and academic failure compared to their peers. 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 might try to cope with these difficulties by developing a strong confidence which could result in high-risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD since symptoms can appear to change over time. It is essential to have an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety 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 changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medications. The most common ADHD medication is stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattention ADHD modify their environment and develop coping techniques to reduce their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which teaches them how to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. 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 suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to feel accepted, and may be unable to recognize the impact that their symptoms impact their lives. They may have a tough managing their time or staying organized, which could cause issues at school and at work, as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other illnesses, like anxiety or depression. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. This can make it harder to seek treatment because they are less likely to be referred by parents or teachers. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and undertreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is especially relevant in the course of hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct effect on certain parts of the brain, such as executive functions, verbal memories and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases following ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone rises. This can cause ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD can be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with partners who aren't familiar with and have difficulty asserting themselves. They could also be at greater risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they do not have contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters can find effective ways to cope that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts, and to replace harmful patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the issues that girls and women with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to experience difficulties managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties managing stress or criticism. It could also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to suffer from psychosexual problems, including promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Girls and women who have ADHD might exhibit the same behavior patterns that men and boys. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These problems can also cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviours. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also prone to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI), which can include burning, cutting or scratching. adhd in men symptoms is especially true in adolescence.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can hide these signs, even though they may cause difficulties at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more diligent or even perfectionists. This can prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking alcohol or other drugs to mask their difficulties.
Rating what are the symptoms of adhd in adults used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior and could lead to under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms might not be identified as being associated with ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve mood and attention for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration and release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. It can be helpful to speak with an experienced dietitian to develop a plan that works best for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control and becomes a problem in your daily life it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by distress, unease and a high level of fear in normal or benign situations. They persist even when there's any reason to be concerned and can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect work and relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety frequently experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. adhd in men symptoms can lead to social problems such as strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. The mood swings can make it harder to get enough sleep which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, based on your gender age, your age and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman suffering from ADHD your symptoms could change throughout the month or during menopausal pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more noticeable when menstruating, or when you're under stress like an breakup or job loss, or major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and set a regular time to get up. Try listening to soothing music or meditative before going to bed, and limit screen time to improve the quality of your sleep. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.