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 noticeable than those of boys and men, which can lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and assist people to get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or fails to complete a task at times, but those who suffer from inattention ADHD cannot seem to keep their focus on the things they require for everyday life. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They are more prone to make careless mistakes that can have costly consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD are also more difficult in coping with academic failure and social rejection than other students. They may develop dysfunctional ways to cope, including self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or access peer support. This can lead to feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may try to cope with these difficulties by gaining a confidence, which can lead them into high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD because symptoms may change over time. It's crucial to undergo a thorough mental and medical health assessment so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders, allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medications. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, are used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse side consequences. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to minimize their symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps them change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be useful for adults, assisting them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to feel understood, and they may be unable to recognize the impact that their disorders affect their lives. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized which can cause issues at work and school and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other illnesses, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can have a direct influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Because of the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. This may make it harder for them to seek treatment and treatment, since they may be less likely to be referred by parents or teachers. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that adhd symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially true when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an impact on certain areas of the mind including executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
signs and symptoms of adhd in adults increases after ovulation, and estrogen decreases in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and more prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with people who aren't familiar with and have difficulty asserting themselves. They could also be more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they do not have contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective ways to cope that will help them manage symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better be aware of their thoughts and feelings and replace negative behaviors for healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, difficulties in coping with stress or criticism and sensitivity to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as promiscuity or a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD might exhibit the same impulsive behaviors as males and females. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and moving. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These issues can result in them becoming rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behavior. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also prone to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is especially prevalent in the adolescent stage.
While these symptoms can make it hard to cope in the workplace or at school, many women and girls with ADHD are adept at masked these symptoms. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist. It could also deter others from noticing that they are unable to stay on track or get distracted. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking alcohol or drugs to deal with their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors and may cause under-diagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms might not be identified as being connected to ADHD and may be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve mood and attention for teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is beneficial to speak with an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion but when it gets out of control and impacts your daily functioning you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease, and excessive fright in normal or everyday situations. They can be present even when there's little or no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on work and relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. signs adhd with both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems that can result in strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. The mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life depending on your age, gender and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more evident during menstrual cycles or when you're under stress such as an breakup, job loss, or major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and establish a time when you get up. To get better sleep try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes every day or utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.