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 who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women may have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like the ones that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment sometimes, but people with inattention ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they require for everyday life. They might leave work-related documents on their desks and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans, and have trouble keeping pace during conversations. Their houses are often filled with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are more prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to expensive consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD are also more difficult in dealing with social rejection and academic underachievement than their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or gain access to peer support which can cause depression and emotional distress. They may compensate for these difficulties with a strong sense bravado which can lead to high-risk activities like alcohol or drug consumption, prostitution or involvement in gangs.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change as time passes. It's important that you have a complete medical and mental evaluation to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues 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. The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help improve focus and reduce impulses. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine may be used when stimulants do not work or cause adverse side effects. In addition, therapy can aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD learn to alter their environment and develop coping techniques that can reduce the symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be beneficial for adults, assisting them to establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their symptoms affect their lives. They may have difficulty to stay organized or focused, which can cause problems at work and school, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the way ADHD affects girls and women in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. This may make it more difficult for them to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior. Women are also prone to the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd vary from day to day particularly when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an influence on specific areas of the brain, such as executive functions, memory of words, sleep and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient and more prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at greater chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners they aren't certain about, and have difficulty expressing their desires. They can also be at risk of sexual assault and domestic violence since they might not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women suffering from adhd can find effective strategies to cope to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and replace negative behaviors for more healthy ones. In certain situations, doctors might recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to tackle the issues women and girls with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It may also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They are also more likely to experience sexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. In turn, females with ADHD tend to be more likely to seek treatment in adulthood.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar impulsive behaviors as males and females. They can be unfocused or restless, and always on the move. They also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These issues can result in them becoming rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behavior. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true during the adolescent years.
While these symptoms can make it difficult for people to perform at work or at school, many girls and women with ADHD are adept at masked these symptoms. This can make them appear more careful or perfectionists. It also can stop others noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble staying focused. Some women with ADHD have unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol or other drugs to mask their issues.
The rating scales for diagnosing ADHD are still biased toward male behavior which could lead to a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can boost the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can be helpful to talk with a registered dietitian to create a plan that works best for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, when it gets out of control and impacts your daily functioning, you may have an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress, and excessive fright in normal or everyday situations. They persist when there is no reason to be worried and can result in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common for women than males, and they can interfere with the work environment and personal relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social problems, like strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. Mood swings may also cause insomnia which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
signs and symptoms of adhd in adults of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, depending on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more noticeable when menstruating, or when you're under stress such as the breakup of a relationship or job loss major life events.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. To help you sleep better, try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Consume signs and symptoms of adhd in adults of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day or utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.