ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less apparent for women and girls than they are for males and females. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms exacerbated due to hormonal changes like during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates medication and lifestyle strategies can help improve relationships and set people up for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and forgets to complete an assignment sometimes, but people who suffer from inattention ADHD can't stop losing their focus on the things they require for everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They're prone to making careless mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is associated with more difficulty coping with social rejection, as well as academic performance that is lower than their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies like self-harming behavior and inability to sustain friendships or access peer support that can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to compensate for these difficulties by developing a strong self-confidence, which can lead them into high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because symptoms may change as time. It is essential to have a complete medical and mental evaluation to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnose. They will consider the person's behaviour in the past and present, including childhood events. They'll also consider other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD are treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. The most common ADHD drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help concentration and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause side consequences. In addition, therapy can assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD learn to alter their environment and develop coping skills that will minimize the symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps them modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be useful for adults, helping them establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time feeling accepted, and may be unable to recognize the impact their conditions 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 ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These complications can have a direct influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships due to how their symptoms affect their social. It is also more difficult to receive treatment because they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behaviors. Many women can mask their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd may differ from day to day, especially during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct effect on certain parts of the brain, such as executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation and during the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone rises. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Young women and girls with ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with partners they don't know and have a hard time asserting their rights. They may also be more at risk of sexual assault or domestic violence since they lack contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can find efficient strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts, and to replace harmful patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In signs of adhd in adults , doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, difficulty dealing with stress or criticism and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They are also more prone to develop sexual problems, such as promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
The same impulsive symptoms that boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be seen in women and girls with the disorder, such as being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without thinking it through. These problems can also lead to them being aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behavior. Women and girls with ADHD are also susceptible to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), which can include burning, cutting or scratching. This is particularly true in adolescence.
Many girls and women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms even though they cause difficulties at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more careful or perfectionists. This can prevent others noticing that they are easily distracted or having difficulty keeping their focus. Some women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors and may lead to under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can boost concentration and mood for teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters which help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can help you make a plan that meets your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, but when it gets out of hand and affects your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by distress, unease and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They persist when there is no reason to be concerned, and cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
It is also possible that gender plays a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues like broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. Mood swings may also cause insomnia, which will make your anxiety symptoms worse.
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 the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more evident during menstrual cycles, or when you're under stress like an breakup, job loss, or major life events.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to sleep at the same time each night, and set an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. To get better sleep, try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Consume lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes every day, or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to sunlight.