ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less obvious for women and girls than they are for boys and men. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated due to hormonal changes like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the 4 years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for living and medication can improve relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are incapable of keeping track of their daily needs. They may forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and may be unable to keep up with conversations. They may leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up garbage or empty trash bins, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often messy and not cleaned. They're prone to making careless errors that can have costly consequences.
Attention-deficit ADHD in females is associated with more difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways of coping, such as self-harming behaviors and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can cause depression and emotional distress. mood. They may compensate for these issues by displaying a strong attitude that could result in high-risk actions like alcohol or drug prostitution, or involvement in gangs.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change in time. It's crucial to undergo a complete mental and medical health assessment to ensure that a certified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also consider other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance focus and reduce impulsivity. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine can be used if stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type 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 a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up an effective routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and may not realize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a tough managing their time or staying well-organized, which can result in problems at work and school, as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities may influence their symptoms and how they manage those symptoms.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms impact their social. It can also be more difficult for them to access treatment since they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behavior. Women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day-to-day. This is particularly relevant during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have an influence on specific areas of the brain, such as executive functions, verbal memories sleep, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease following ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone rises. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Girls and young women who have ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient, and prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual interactions with partners who they are not sure about, and they have difficulty expressing their desires. They can also be vulnerable to sexual domestic violence and abuse due to the fact that they do not have access to contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can benefit from effective strategies to cope that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace bad behaviors with healthier ones. In some cases, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the challenges that girls and women with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties dealing with criticism or stress. It can also manifest as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They could also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive signs that both boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls with the disorder, like being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making quick decisions without thinking them through. These problems can also cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviors. Additionally, some women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting or burning, especially in adolescence.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or in the workplace. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist. It can prevent others from noticing they are unable to stay focused or easily distracted. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors which could cause a misdiagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms might not be identified as being related to ADHD and can be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can boost focus and concentration and release good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can help make a plan that meets your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, if it becomes out of control and impacts your daily functioning, you may have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in benign or regular situations. They persist even when there's little or any reason to be concerned and can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
Gender can also play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which could be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can lead to social problems, like strained relationships and unsuccessful careers. Mood swings can also make it harder to get enough sleep which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
symptoms of adult add of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, gender and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more noticeable during menstruation or flare up during periods of stress like breaking up, job loss or an important life occasion.
Getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and establish a regular wakeup time. Try listening to music that is calming or meditation before you go to bed, and limit screen time to improve the quality of your sleep. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day, or utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.