ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. Yet these symptoms may be less apparent than those of boys and men and can result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms exacerbated due to hormonal changes like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the 4 years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are incapable of keeping track of their daily needs. They may not remember to pick up the laundry or empty the trash bins, and they may have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often strewn with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're more prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is also associated with more struggle to deal with social rejection, and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or gain access to peer support that can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a sense of bravado which could result in high-risk activities such as drug and alcohol use, promiscuity or gang involvement.
For adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD since symptoms can change as time. It's crucial to undergo a a complete medical and mental evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders cognitive decline, learning disabilities and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine can be used if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their surroundings and develop coping strategies which will help reduce their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps them reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them create an effective routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and may not realize the impact of their conditions on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized which can cause issues at school and work, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can influence their symptoms, and how they manage their symptoms.
Due to the way ADHD affects women and girls, they may develop low self-esteem and have difficulty maintaining friendships. This can also make it harder to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male-dominated behaviors. Many women also have the ability to mask their symptoms, which can cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially relevant in the course of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an effect on the function of certain parts of the brain including executive functions, verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation, and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is elevated. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Girls and young women with ADHD can be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual interactions with partners they aren't certain about, and they have difficulties asserting their needs. They may also be more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they are not contraceptive.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective ways to cope that will help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to understand their thoughts and feelings and swap out negative behaviors for healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It can also manifest as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. This means that women with ADHD tend to be more likely to seek treatment later in life.
The same impulsive signs that men and boys with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls with the disorder, for example, being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making quick decisions without considering them. These issues can lead to them being aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviours. Additionally, some women and girls with ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting or burning, especially in the adolescent stage.
While these symptoms can make it difficult to cope in the workplace or at school, many girls and women with ADHD are skilled at masking their symptoms. This can make them appear more diligent, or perfectionists. This can prevent others from noticing that they're easily distracted or having difficulty keeping their focus. Some women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to disguise their issues.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior, which may cause a misdiagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of self-doubt or shame.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can help you make a plan that meets your individual requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it gets out of control, and interferes with your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent and a fear of the unknown in benign or regular situations. They are present when there is no reason to worry and may cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on work and relationships.
The gender can also affect the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." add symptoms in adults could lead to social issues that can result in broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. Mood swings may also cause insomnia, which will cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident at certain times in your life, based on your gender age, gender, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms could change throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during times of stress like the breakup of a relationship or job loss, or major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time each night and establish a regular time to wake up. Try listening to soothing music or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to enhance the quality of your sleep. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, nutritious 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.