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 in males and females. This could cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms exacerbated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and assist people to succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those with inattention ADHD can't stop losing their focus on the things they require in everyday life. They may leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up garbage or empty trash bins and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their houses are often filled with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are prone to making errors that can have costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD for females is associated with a higher struggle to deal with social rejection, as well as academic failure compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies to cope, including self-harming behavior and an inability to keep friendships or access peer support. This can cause emotional distress and a low mood. They may attempt to alleviate these issues with a heightened attitude that could result in high-risk behaviors like alcohol or drug prostitution, or involvement in groups.
For adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because symptoms may change over time. However, it's important to undergo a complete mental and medical health evaluation to ensure that a certified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders, allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants don't work or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and learn coping skills to reduce their symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them to establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling acknowledged, and they might have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their symptoms impact their lives. They may have a difficult to stay focused or organized, which can result in problems at work and school, as well as in their private lives. They are more likely to suffer from other illnesses, like anxiety or depression. These complications can have a direct impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Because of the way ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. symptoms of adult add can also make it more difficult for them to seek help and treatment, since they may be less likely to be recommended by teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women also have the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could result in them being undiagnosed and untreated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd differ from day to day, especially during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have a direct impact on certain areas of the brain including executive functions, verbal memory and sleep, as well as concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Girls and young women with ADHD tend to be more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at greater chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners they are not sure about, and they have difficulties asserting their needs. They can also be at risk of being victims of sexual domestic violence and abuse due to the fact that they do not have a means of contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters might find effective strategies for coping that will help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions and to replace unhealthy patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD 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 difficulty managing stress or criticism. It can also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to develop psychosexual issues, like sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. This means that females suffering from ADHD tend to be more likely to seek treatment in adulthood.
The same impulsive signs that men and boys with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, such as being fidgety, always in motion, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without considering them. These problems can also cause them to be rude or unkind, as well engaging in risky behavior. In addition, some girls and women with ADHD may be susceptible to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting or burning particularly in adolescence.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms, even though they may cause difficulties at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more meticulous or a perfectionist. It can also prevent people from noticing that they struggle to stay on task or are easily distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could cause under-diagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms might not be recognized as connected to ADHD and may be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD, a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can help improve concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is beneficial to talk with an accredited dietitian to devise an appropriate plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent and an excessive fear in normal or everyday situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to be concerned and may cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can affect relationships and work.
Gender can also play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are treated. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety frequently experience mood swings that can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can cause social problems, like strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. The mood swings can make it difficult to sleep enough, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident during certain periods of your life, based on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more noticeable during menstruation or when they be more severe during times of stress, such as a break-up, a job loss or an important life occasion.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and establish a time when you get up. To help you sleep better try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Take advantage of plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes every day, or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to sunlight.