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 for women and girls than they are in males and females. This could cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can have symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and set people up for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are not able to keep track of their daily needs. They may not remember to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and struggle to keep up with conversations. They might leave work-related documents on a desk and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often strewn with unwashed dishes and clutter. adhd symptoms and treatment are more prone to make careless mistakes that can have expensive consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty managing academic and social rejection than other students. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming behavior and an inability for them to maintain friendships or access peer support. This can result in emotional distress and a low mood. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a sense of bravado which could lead them into high risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change in time. It is important to undergo a complete medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight problems, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like clonidine and atomoxetine, are used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse side negative effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and learn coping skills to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches them to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them establish the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to feel accepted, and may be unable to recognize the impact their conditions have on their life. They may have difficulty to stay focused or organized which can cause issues at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities could directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage those symptoms.
Women and girls with ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms affect them socially. This may make it harder to seek treatment because they are less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which could result in them being undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd change from day-to-day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct impact on certain areas of the brain, such as executive functions, verbal memory sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual interactions with partners they aren't sure about, and they may have difficulties asserting their desires. They may also be more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they lack contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can find effective ways to cope to help manage symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to better be aware of their thoughts and feelings and swap out bad habits to healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to resolve the issues that women and girls with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulty managing stress or criticism. It may be manifested as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They also may be more likely to suffer from sexual problems, such as promiscuity, and a higher chance of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may exhibit the same behavior patterns that boys and men. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They may also talk a lot and make rash decisions. These issues can result in them being rude or unkind, aswell as engage in risky behavior. Additionally, some girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in adolescence.
Many girls and women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, even though they may make it difficult to cope at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more careful, or perfectionists. It can also prevent others from noticing that they're easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope, such as using drugs or alcohol to disguise their issues.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior, which may cause a misdiagnosis for females or girls. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can lead to feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It is helpful to talk with an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, when it gets out of control and impacts your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease, and excessive fright in normal or routine situations. They can be 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 as men, and can affect your personal and professional relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead to social problems such as strained relationships and unfulfilling careers. The mood swings can make it harder to get enough sleep, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life based on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during times of stress such as the breakup of a relationship, job loss, or major life events.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time each night and establish a time when you get up. Try listening to music that is calming or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to enhance the quality of your sleep. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise 30 minutes per day or use a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.