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 apparent in girls and women than they are for males and females. This can cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those with inattentive ADHD aren't able to keep their focus on the things they need for everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have trouble keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often messy and not cleaned. They're prone to making careless mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with a greater struggle to deal with social rejection, as well as academic underachievement compared to their peers. They might develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behaviors and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or get support from peers, which can lead to depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to alleviate these difficulties with a strong confidence that can result in high-risk actions such as alcohol or drug use, prostitution and/or involvement in gangs.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change in time. It's crucial to have a full mental and medical health assessment to ensure that a certified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's past and present behavior, including childhood events. They'll also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. The most popular ADHD drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as clonidine and atomoxetine, can be used when stimulants don't help or cause side consequences. Therapy can also aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills that can reduce the symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which teaches them how to modify 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 who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty to understand and may not be aware of the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized and this can lead to problems at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities could directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms affect them socially. This can also 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 are still skewed toward male-dominated behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to mask their symptoms, which could result in them being undiagnosed and undertreated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have a direct impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone rises after ovulation and estrogen decreases in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activities with partners who they are not sure about, and have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be vulnerable to sexual assault and domestic violence since they might not have a means of contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can develop effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts, and to replace harmful behaviors with healthier ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the challenges that girls and women with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, difficulty dealing with stress or criticism and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They also may be more likely to experience sexual problems, such as promiscuity, and a higher chance of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
The same impulsive symptoms that men and boys with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls with the disorder, for example, being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or agitated, talking too much, and making rash decisions without thinking them through. These issues can cause them to be abrasive or unkind, aswell being prone to risky behaviors. Additionally, certain women and girls with ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning particularly during the adolescent stage.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist, and it can prevent people from noticing that they are unable to stay on track or get distracted. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms might not be recognized 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 and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration, as well as release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce anxiety, stress and depression in those with the disorder. It is beneficial to consult an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control, and interferes with your daily routine, you could have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by distress, unease and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They are present when there is no reason to worry, and result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can affect relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety frequently experience mood swings, which could be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead to social problems, like strained relationships and unsuccessful careers. Mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident during certain periods of your life, depending on your gender age, your age and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or when they be more severe during times of heightened stress such as the break-up of a relationship, a job loss or a major life event.
To lessen Home Page of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and set a regular time to get up. Try listening to calming music or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to increase your quality of sleep. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.