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 boys and men. This can result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can enhance relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or forgets to do an assignment occasionally, but people who suffer from inattention ADHD can't stop losing their focus on the things they require in everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have difficulty maintaining a conversation. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are susceptible to making errors that aren't considered and can lead to costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with more difficulty coping with social rejection and academic failure compared to their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies like self-harming behavior and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or access peer support which can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may compensate for these difficulties with a strong confidence that can result in high-risk actions such as alcohol or drug use, prostitution and/or involvement in gangs.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change over time. It is important to have a full mental and medical health evaluation to ensure that a trained health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's present and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They'll also look for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance focus and reduce impulsivity. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine are available if stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. In addition, therapy can aid adults suffering from inattention ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills that can reduce the symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps them 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 establish a routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and may not be aware of the impact of their conditions on their lives. They may have a difficult to stay focused or well-organized, which can lead to issues at school and at work and in their private lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Because of the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have difficulty maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult for them to access treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales 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 thus not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day. This is especially relevant in the course of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have an effect on the function of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms significantly.
Young women and girls who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient, and more prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners they aren't certain about, and they have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be vulnerable to sexual domestic violence and abuse due to the fact that they do not have a means of contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can benefit from efficient strategies for coping that help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace bad behaviors with healthier ones. In some cases, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women 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 also may be more prone to develop psychosexual problems, including sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar impulsive behaviors as men and boys. They may be constantly frenzied or agitated and on the move. They also be prone to excessive talking and making rash decisions. These issues can cause them to be rude or rude, as well being prone to risky behaviors. In addition, some girls and women with ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning particularly during adolescence.
Many women and girls with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms even though they cause difficulties at school or at work. This can make them appear more conscientious or a perfectionist, and it could also deter people from noticing that they struggle to stay on track or get distracted. Women with ADHD have unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their problems.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior, which may result in a misdiagnosis of girls or women. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can result in feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can improve the mood and focus of adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety and depression among those suffering from the disorder. It is beneficial to consult an accredited dietitian to devise the best plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent and an excessive fear in normal or everyday situations. They persist even when there's any reason to be concerned, and they cause you physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on work and relationships.
Gender can also play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are managed. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues like tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep which can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, gender and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or when they flare up during periods of stress, such as a break-up, a job loss or a major life occasion.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. To help you sleep better you can try listening to relaxing music prior to bed or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Try eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.