ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less apparent than those of boys and men, which can lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and assist people to get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are not able to keep the track of their daily activities. They might forget to clean up the laundry or empty the trash bins and may have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They might forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have trouble in keeping up with conversations. Their houses are often filled with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're more prone to making mistakes that could have devastating 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 might develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and inability to sustain friendships or access peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by developing a strong self-confidence and may result in high-risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change over time. It's important that you have an extensive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They'll take into account the patient's past and present behavior as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Adults suffering from inattentional ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. The most common ADHD drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help improve concentration and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine can be used if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to minimize their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches them how to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to establish the right schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and not realize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized, which can cause problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to suffer from other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities may influence their symptoms, and how they manage their symptoms.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have trouble keeping friendships up, due to how their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult for them to access treatment as they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Many women also have the ability to cover up their symptoms, which can cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd may vary from day to day, especially when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an effect on the functioning of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions such as verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls with ADHD tend to be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners who they aren't certain about, and have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be at a higher risk of sexual assault or domestic violence because they do not have contraception.
Girls and women with adhd may find effective coping techniques that will help them manage their symptoms. symptoms of add in adults may also benefit from engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts and to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones. In some instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the issues that women and girls with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties dealing with criticism or stress. It may also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. As a result, females suffering from ADHD are often more likely to seek help in adulthood.
Women and girls with ADHD may exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that boys and men. They may be fidgety or restless and always on the move. They may also talk excessively and make rash decisions. These problems can also lead to them being abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviours. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is particularly true in the adolescent stage.
While these symptoms can make it hard to perform at work or at school, many women and girls with ADHD are skilled at masking them. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent people from noticing that they have trouble staying on track or get distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies that include using drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
The rating scales for diagnosing ADHD are still biased toward male behavior, which may lead to a misdiagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can lead to feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve the mood and focus of adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration and release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety and depression in those with the disorder. It is helpful to talk with an experienced dietitian to develop a plan that works best for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable, and interferes with your daily life, you could have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent and a fear of the unknown in normal or routine situations. They can be present even when there's any reason to worry and cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common for women than males, and they can impact the work environment and personal relationships.
The gender of your partner can affect how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This can cause social problems, such as tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. These mood swings can cause insomnia and can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more apparent at certain times of your life based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate during the month, or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or be more severe during times of heightened stress such as breaking up, job loss or a major life event.
Getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to sleep at the same time every night, and set an established wake-up time. To improve your sleep, try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try eating plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.