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 misdiagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms exacerbated due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the 4 years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can improve relationships and assist people to achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to do an assignment sometimes, but people who suffer from inattention ADHD aren't able to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They might leave work documents on a desk, fail to pick up garbage or empty trash bins, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often strewn with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with more difficulty in coping with social rejection, as well as academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, like self-harming behavior and an inability to sustain friendships or access peer support, which can lead to depression and emotional distress. They might try to overcome these issues by developing a confidence which could cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
For adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD because symptoms may appear to change as time. It is essential to have an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They will also check for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentive ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance focus and reduce the impulsivity. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or Clonidine may be used when stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills that will minimize the symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps them modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them set up a schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to be understood and not be aware of the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have difficulty to stay focused or organized and this can lead to problems at school and work 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 and how they manage them.
Because of add symptoms adults in which ADHD affects girls and women in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have difficulty maintaining friendships. This can also make it harder to seek treatment because they are less likely to be recommended by teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. symptoms of adhd hide their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that adhd symptoms can change from day-to-day. This is particularly relevant during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have an impact on the functioning of specific parts of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with people they don't know and are difficulties asserting themselves. They could also be at a higher risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they are not contraceptive.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective ways to cope to help to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to better comprehend their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to address the issues that girls and women with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulty dealing with criticism or stress. It can be accompanied by vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive signs that boys and men with ADHD are prone to can be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, for example, being fidgety, constantly at a loss, irritable or agitated, talking too much and making quick decisions without thinking them through. These issues can cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behavior. Additionally, certain women and girls with ADHD are susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting, burning or scratching, especially in the adolescent years.
Many girls and women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, even though they may make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more diligent or perfectionists. This can prevent others noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Women with ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using drugs or alcohol to mask their problems.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior which can result in a misdiagnosis of females or girls. The symptoms of ADHD might not be recognized and internalized. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can help improve concentration and mood for adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters, which can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control, and interferes with your daily life it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in benign or regular situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to be worried and may cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can impact work and relationships.
Gender can also play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women with ADHD and anxiety frequently experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead to social issues, such as broken relationships and unsuccessful careers. The mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep, which will cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain periods of your life, depending on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman suffering from ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more noticeable when menstruating or when you're under stress like an breakup, job loss, or major life events.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. Try listening to soothing music or meditation before you go to bed, and reduce screen time to improve your sleep quality. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try eliminating foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Take advantage of lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.