ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are more subtle for women and girls than they are for males and boys. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal changes, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication strategies can improve relationships and set people up for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are not able to keep up with their daily demands. They might forget to pick up the laundry or empty the trash bins, and they may struggle to keep up with conversations. They might leave work documents on their desks or fail to take care of the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping pace in conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They are prone to making errors that can have costly consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble dealing with social rejection and academic underachievement than other students. They may develop dysfunctional ways to cope, including self-harming and an inability to keep friendships or access peer support. This can result in emotional distress and a low mood. They may attempt to overcome these issues by developing a sense of bravado, which can result in high-risk activities such as drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change in time. It's crucial to undergo a complete medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now, including childhood events. They'll also consider other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. The most popular ADHD medication is stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help focus and decrease impulses. adult adhd symptoms , such as Clonidine and atomoxetine can be used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse side consequences. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD learn to alter their environment and develop coping skills which will help reduce their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. Adults are also able to benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them establish an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling understood, and they may have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their disorders affect their lives. They may have a hard managing their time or staying well-organized, which can result in problems at work and school and in their private lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities may influence their symptoms and how they manage those symptoms.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms affect their social. This can make it harder to seek treatment because they are less likely to be recommended by teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Many women can mask their symptoms, which can cause them to not be diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd may change from day to day. This is particularly true during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have a direct effect on certain parts of the brain including executive functions, verbal memories, sleep and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen decreases 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 a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with people they don't know and have difficulties asserting their rights. They could also be at greater risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they do not have contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective coping strategies that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative behaviors for healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to tackle the issues girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty dealing with criticism or stress. It could also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. This means that females suffering from ADHD are often more likely to seek assistance as they grow older.
The same impulsive symptoms that boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be seen in women and girls with the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making quick decisions without thinking them through. These issues can cause them to be rude or unkind, as well engaging in risky behavior. Some girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also prone to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is particularly true in the adolescent years.
Many women and girls with ADHD can hide these signs, even though they may cause difficulties at school or at work. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent people from noticing that they are unable to stay focused or easily distracted. Women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using alcohol or drugs to deal with their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors and may cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms might not be identified 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 vegetables, fruits whole grains, healthy fats and protein can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus as well as release feel good neurotransmitters that help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can assist you to develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily routine it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease, and excessive fright in normal or everyday situations. They persist even when there's any reason to worry, and they cause you physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent for women than males, and they can impact your personal and professional relationships.
The gender of your partner can affect how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can cause social problems such as strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. The mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident at certain times in your life, depending on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms could change throughout the month, or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during stressful times like a breakup or job loss major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. To help you sleep better try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try cutting out foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Consume plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day or use the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.