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 and can result in underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women can have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like those during menstruation or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or fails to complete a task occasionally, but people with inattentive ADHD aren't able to keep their focus on the things they need for everyday life. They may leave work documents on their desks, fail to pick up garbage or empty trash bins and struggle to keep pace during conversations. Their homes are often strewn with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are prone to making mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD are also more difficult in dealing with social rejection and academic underachievement as compared to their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support that can cause depression and emotional distress. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by developing a sense of bravado which could cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang participation.
For adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD since symptoms can appear to change as time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical assessment so that a skilled healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's present and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities as well as allergies and medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD are treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or Clonidine are available if stimulants don't work or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and learn coping skills to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps them modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults are also able to benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to create the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to feel accepted, and may have a difficult time recognizing the impact their conditions affect their lives. They may have a tough to stay focused or organized, which can result in issues at school and at work as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. 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 difficulty maintaining friendships due to the way their symptoms affect their social. our homepage may also be more difficult to receive treatment since they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Many women hide their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day to day. This is especially the case during hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct effect on certain parts of the mind that are involved in executive functions, memory of words, sleep and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone rises. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD tend to be more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners that they are not sure about, and have difficulty expressing their needs. They may also be vulnerable to sexual domestic violence and abuse because they may not have access to contraception.
Women and girls with adhd may find effective coping techniques that will help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to better be aware of their thoughts and feelings and replace negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. In some instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the challenges that girls and women with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulties dealing with criticism or stress. It may also manifest as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to experience sexual issues, including promiscuity or a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive symptoms that both boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be observed in girls and women with the disorder, like being fidgety, always in motion, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making quick decisions without thinking them through. These issues can cause them to be abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behavior. In addition, some girls and women with ADHD are susceptible to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching, especially in the adolescent years.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can hide these signs, even though they may be unable to function at school or at work. This can make them appear more careful or even perfectionists. It can also prevent others from noticing that they're easily distracted or have trouble staying on task. Some women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using alcohol or drugs to disguise their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors and may cause under-diagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve mood and attention for adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety and depression in those with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help make a plan that meets your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, when it gets out of hand and affects your daily activities it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and excessive fear in normal or benign situations. They are present even when there is any reason to be concerned and can cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women as males, and they can impact your personal and professional relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. These mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep well and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable during certain times of your life, based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms you experience may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or become more prominent during periods of stress like a break-up, a job loss, or a major life occasion.
A good night's sleep can reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to go to bed at the same time each night, and establish an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. Try listening to music that is calming or meditative before going to bed, and limit screen time to enhance your sleep quality. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes per day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.