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 noticeable than those of men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or even perimenopausal (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication strategies can help improve relationships and set people up for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or fails to complete a task at times, but those who suffer from inattention ADHD cannot seem to keep their way to the things they require for everyday life. They might forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often strewn with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're more prone to making errors that can have costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more trouble managing social rejection and academic underachievement than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways of coping, such as self-harming behavior and an inability for them to maintain friendships or to access peer support. This can result in depression and emotional distress. mood. They may attempt to overcome these issues by gaining a confidence which could cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change over time. However, it's important to have a full medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a certified health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's behaviour in the past and present and past events, including childhood ones. They will also check for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders as well as allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. The most commonly used ADHD drugs are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help concentration and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine may be used when stimulants are not effective or cause adverse effects. In addition, therapy can aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD learn to alter their environment and develop coping techniques that will minimize their 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. A life coach or ADHD coach can be helpful for adults, helping them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and not recognize the impact of their conditions on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized and this can lead to problems at work and school, as well as their personal lives. They are also more likely to suffer from other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can directly impact their symptoms, and how they manage their symptoms.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way that their symptoms affect their social. It is also more difficult for them to access treatment since they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. Additionally, signs adhd of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior. Many women can mask their symptoms, which can lead to them not being diagnosed and not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day. This is particularly the case in the course of hormonal changes like the menstrual period or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have a direct impact on the function of certain parts of the brain including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women with ADHD are more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at greater risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners who they aren't certain about, and they may have difficulty expressing their needs. They could also be at risk of being victims of sexual assault and domestic violence because they may not have a means of contraception.
Women and girls with adhd may find effective coping techniques that can help them to manage the symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to understand their thoughts and feelings and replace bad habits for healthier ones. In some cases, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the issues that girls and women with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This could manifest as mood swings, difficulties in coping with stress or criticism and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as promiscuity or a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. This means that females suffering from ADHD tend to be more likely to seek assistance as they grow older.
Girls and women who have ADHD might exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that males and females. They can be unfocused or restless, and always moving. They also be prone to excessive talking and making rash decisions. These issues can result in them being rude or rude, as well engaging in risky behavior. Some women and girls with ADHD are also prone to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI), which can include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially true in adolescence.
While these symptoms can make it difficult for people to perform at work or school, many girls and women with ADHD are adept at masked them. This can make them appear more conscientious or perfectionists. This can prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble staying on task. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
The rating scales for diagnosing ADHD are still biased towards male behavior which can cause a misdiagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms might not be identified as being associated with ADHD and can be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet rich 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 focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can assist you to develop a plan to meet your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, when it gets out of control and impacts your daily functioning you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and excessive fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to worry, and cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent for women than males, and they can interfere with the work environment and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which could be interpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can cause social problems, like strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. The mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep, which will cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more apparent at certain times in your life based on your age, gender and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more noticeable when menstruating, or when you're under stress such as the breakup of a relationship or job loss, or major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and establish a time when you get up. To improve your sleep try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes each day or employ the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.