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 evident than those of men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those during menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are not able to keep the track of their daily activities. They may not remember to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins, and they may have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They may leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up garbage or empty trash bins, and have trouble keeping pace during conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are prone to make careless mistakes that can have expensive consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is associated with a greater difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic failure compared to their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behavior and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers that can cause emotional distress and low mood. They might attempt to overcome these issues by displaying a strong sense bravado which can result in high-risk behaviors like alcohol or drug consumption, prostitution or involvement in gangs.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change as time passes. It's important that you have a complete medical and mental evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's past and present behavior as well as childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration, learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. The most popular ADHD medication is stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help improve focus and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or Clonidine may be used when stimulants are not effective or cause side-effects. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills that can reduce the symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be helpful for adults, helping them establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time feeling understood, and they may be unable to recognize the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may have a hard managing their time or staying well-organized, which can result in issues at school and at work and in their private lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities could influence their symptoms, as well as how they manage them.
Because of the way ADHD affects women and girls, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult for them to access treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male-dominated behaviors. Many women can mask their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day to day. This is particularly relevant when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have an impact on the function of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases following ovulation and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is elevated. This can cause ADHD symptoms significantly.
adult adhd symptoms women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient and more prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners they are not sure about, and they have a harder time asserting their needs. They may also be more at risk of sexual assault or domestic violence since they do not have contraception.
Women and girls with adhd may find effective coping techniques that will help them to manage the symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to be aware of their thoughts and feelings and replace negative behaviors to healthier ones. In certain instances, doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This could manifest as mood swings, issues dealing with stress or criticism and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They may also be more likely to develop sexual issues, including promiscuity, or a higher chance of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. This means that women with ADHD are often more likely to seek help in adulthood.
Women and girls with ADHD might exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that men and boys. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and on the move. They can also talk a lot and make quick decisions. These problems can also cause them to be rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behaviors. Additionally, certain women and girls who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting or burning particularly during adolescence.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD are able to hide their symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist, and it can prevent others from noticing they are unable to stay focused or easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
The scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased toward male behavior, which may lead to a misdiagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as being related to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can improve mood and attention for teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. A registered dietitian can help make a plan that meets your specific requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it becomes out of control and becomes a problem in your daily routine it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by distress, unease and excessive fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to be worried, and cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women than men, and they can interfere with work and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays 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 could lead to social issues like strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. Mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times in your life depending on your age, gender and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms you experience may fluctuate throughout the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or when you're under stress, such as an breakup or job loss, or major life events.
Sleeping enough can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and establish an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. Try listening to calming music or meditative before going to bed, and limit screen time to increase your quality of sleep. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.