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 in males and boys. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like the ones that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes medication and lifestyle strategies can improve relationships and prepare people for success at work and home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and fails to complete a task sometimes, but people with inattentive ADHD can't stop losing track of the things they require in everyday life. They might leave work-related documents on their desks or fail to take care of the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep pace during conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're prone to making careless mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD also have more trouble managing academic and social rejection than other students. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming behavior and an inability for them to maintain friendships or to access peer support. This can lead to emotional distress and a low mood. They might attempt to overcome these difficulties with a strong attitude that could result in high-risk behaviors such as drug or alcohol prostitution, or involvement in gangs.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because symptoms may change in time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnose. They'll look at the person's past and present behavior as well as childhood experiences. They will also check for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders and learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve focus and reduce the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to minimize their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. Adults are also able to benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might be unable to recognize the impact their conditions have on their life. They may have a hard managing their time or staying organized, which can lead to issues at school and at work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult for them to access treatment as they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Women are also prone to the ability to cover up their symptoms, which can cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
A second challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially true in the course of hormonal changes like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an effect on the function of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions including verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone is elevated. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activities with partners that they aren't certain about, and they have a harder time asserting their desires. They may also be at risk of being victims of sexual assault and domestic violence because they may not have access to contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can develop effective strategies to cope that help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions and to replace bad behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In some cases, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience difficulties managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty managing stress or criticism. It could also manifest as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They also may be more prone to develop sexual problems, such as promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted illnesses. As a result, females suffering from ADHD are often more likely to seek help in adulthood.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit the same impulsive behaviors as boys and men. They can be unfocused or restless, and always in motion. They may also talk excessively and make rapid decisions. These problems can also cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behavior. In addition, some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching, especially in adolescence.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms, even though they may cause difficulties at school or in the workplace. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist. It could also deter others from noticing that they have trouble staying focused or easily distracted. symptoms of adhd adults with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope, such as using alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed towards male behavior, which may result in a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and internalized. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can help improve the mood and focus of teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus as well as release feel good neurotransmitters, which can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. A registered dietitian can assist you to create a plan for your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion however, when it gets out of control and affects your daily functioning, you may have an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in normal or everyday situations. They are present even when there is no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach aches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can impact relationships and work.
Gender can also play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems like tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. The mood swings can make it harder to sleep well and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable at certain times in your life, depending on your gender age, gender, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more apparent during menstrual cycles, or when you're under stress like an breakup 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 regular time to wake up. Try listening to music that is calming or meditation before you go to bed and limit screen time to improve your sleep quality. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Take advantage of lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.