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 in girls and women than they are in males and females. This could cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms aggravated due to hormonal changes like during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and set people up for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to do an assignment sometimes, but people with inattentive ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have difficulty keeping up with conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They're more prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD are also more difficult in coping with academic failure and social rejection than other students. adhd adult symptom might develop dysfunctional coping strategies like self-harming behaviors and inability to sustain friendships or gain access to peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They might attempt to overcome these issues with a heightened attitude that could lead to high-risk activities such as alcohol or drug consumption, prostitution or involvement in gangs.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change in time. It is important to undergo a thorough mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll consider the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders cognitive decline, learning disabilities and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. The most common ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help improve focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants, like clonidine and atomoxetine, can be used when stimulants don't help or cause side effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD modify their environment and develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which teaches them to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. Adults are also able to benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them create the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD frequently struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might have a difficult time recognizing the impact their conditions impact their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized, which can cause problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships due to the way their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult to receive treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD still favor male behaviors. Many women can mask their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and not being treated.
A second challenge is that the symptoms of adhd can fluctuate from day to day. This is particularly the case during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct impact on certain areas of the brain including executive functions, memory of words, sleep and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women with ADHD tend to be more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activity with people they don't know and are difficulties asserting their rights. They may also be at risk of being victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, since they might not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women suffering from adhd can benefit from effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts and to replace harmful behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that women and girls with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to have trouble managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings or difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It could be manifested as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They also may be more prone to develop sexual issues, such as promiscuity, and a higher chance of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that men and boys. They can be fidgety or restless and always in motion. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making rapid decisions. These problems can also cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviours. Additionally, certain women and girls with ADHD are susceptible to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning, especially in adolescence.
Although these issues can make it hard to perform at work or school, many girls and women with ADHD are skilled at masking their symptoms. This can make them appear more careful or perfectionists. It also can stop others from noticing that they're easily distracted or have trouble staying on task. Some women who suffer from ADHD have unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors and may lead to under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms may not be recognized as being connected to ADHD and may be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet high in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can improve the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can boost focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is beneficial to speak with a registered dietitian to create an appropriate plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it gets out of control and becomes a problem in your daily routine it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by a sense of unease, discomfort and a high level of anxiety in benign or normal situations. They can be present even when there's little or any reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women as men, and can affect the work environment and personal relationships.
The gender of your partner can play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are handled. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems like strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. The mood swings can also cause insomnia and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life based on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month, or during menopausal pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more noticeable when menstruating, or during times of stress such as an breakup, job loss, or major life events.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time every night and establish a regular time to get up. To improve your sleep, try listening to calming music before bed or practicing meditation. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Eliminate foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Try eating plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes per day or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to natural sunlight.