ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less evident than those of men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for living and medication can improve relationships and assist people to succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those with inattention ADHD can't stop losing their way to the things they require in everyday life. They might leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They're prone to making careless mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD are also more difficult in coping with academic failure and social rejection than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to keep friendships or to access peer support. This can lead to feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They might try to overcome these issues by gaining a sense of bravado which could cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change as time passes. It is important to have a full medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults 'll take into account the patient's present and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. The most popular ADHD medication is stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They improve concentration and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or Clonidine may be used when stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD learn to alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies which will help reduce the symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. Adults can also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to establish an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD might find it difficult to be understood and may not be aware of the impact of their condition on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized which can cause issues at school and work, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other illnesses, like depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult for them to get treatment because 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. Many women hide their symptoms, which can cause them to not be diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd may change from day-to-day particularly when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have a direct impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain including executive functions such as verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease following ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone increases. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls with ADHD tend to be more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with people who aren't familiar with and have difficulties asserting their rights. They could also be at greater risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they lack contraception.
Women and girls with adhd might find effective strategies for coping to help to manage the symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to understand their thoughts and feelings and replace negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. In some cases doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to experience difficulties managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty managing stress or criticism. It may be accompanied by an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, like promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive signs that men and boys with ADHD experience may also be seen in girls and women with the disorder, like being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making decisions without thinking them through. These problems can also cause them to be rude or unkind, aswell being prone to risky behaviors. Some girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is especially true in the adolescent stage.
Many girls and women with ADHD can mask these symptoms, even though they may be unable to function 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 struggle to stay on task or are easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed towards male behaviors which can lead to a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can help improve the mood and focus of teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, if it becomes out of control and affects your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease, and excessive fright in benign or regular situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
The gender can also affect the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which could be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can cause social issues, such as broken relationships and not-fulfilling careers. Mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain periods of your life, based on your gender age, your age and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles or when they become more prominent during periods of heightened stress such as a break-up, a job loss or any major life event.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time every night and set a regular time to get up. To get better sleep, try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, or utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.