ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. Yet these symptoms may be less apparent than those of boys and men who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the 4 years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are incapable of keeping track of their daily needs. They might forget to clean up the laundry or empty the trash bins and have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They might leave work-related documents on their desks or fail to take care of garbage or empty trash bins, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are susceptible to making careless mistakes that can have costly consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more difficulty dealing with academic failure and social rejection as compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways to cope, including self-harming and an inability to keep friendships or gain access to peer support. This can lead to feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by gaining a sense of bravado, which can cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change as time passes. However, it's important to undergo a thorough medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a trained health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's behaviour in the past and present and past events, including childhood ones. They'll also consider other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD are treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants do not work or cause side-effects. 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 may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps them modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them establish the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty to understand and may not realize the impact of their condition on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized which can cause issues at work and school and in 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 as well as how they manage them.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may experience low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms impact their social. This may make it more difficult for them to seek help because they are less likely to receive referrals by parents or teachers. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms, which could lead to them not being diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day. This is especially relevant during hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have a direct impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This causes ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual interactions with partners they aren't sure about, and they have difficulties asserting their desires. They can also be at risk of being victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, due to the fact that they do not have a means of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd may find effective coping techniques that will help them manage symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and swap out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. In some cases, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulties dealing with criticism or stress. It may be manifested as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They are also more likely to develop sexual issues, including promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive symptoms that men and boys with ADHD suffer from can also be observed in women and girls with the disorder, like being fidgety, constantly at a loss, irritable or agitated, talking too much, and making rash decisions without considering them. These issues can result in them becoming aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviours. Some girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially prevalent during the adolescent years.
Many girls and women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, even though they may cause difficulties at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more conscientious or an idealist, and it could also deter others from noticing that they have trouble staying focused or easily distracted. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol or other drugs to mask their problems.
Rating adhd symptom adult used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could result in under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can lead to feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can improve the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress and depression in those with the disorder. A registered dietitian can assist you to develop a plan to meet your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily routine, you could have an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress and a fear of the unknown in benign or regular situations. They are present when there is no reason to be concerned, and cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can impact work and relationships.
Gender can also play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can lead social issues, such as broken relationships and not-fulfilling careers. These mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep well which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, depending on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman with ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles or be more severe during times of stress like the break-up of a relationship, a job loss or a major life occasion.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and establish a regular time to get up. Try listening to music that is calming or meditation before you go to bed, and limit screen time to enhance your sleep quality. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Take advantage of lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.