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 apparent than those of boys and men and can result in underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can help improve relationships and set people up for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are incapable of keeping up with their daily demands. They may not remember to clean up the laundry or empty the trash cans, and they may have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They may leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. signs of adult add are more prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD for females is associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection, as well as academic failure compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or access peer support. This can result in emotional distress and a low mood. They may compensate for these issues with a heightened attitude that could lead to high-risk activities such as drug or alcohol consumption, prostitution or involvement in gangs.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change as time passes. It's crucial to undergo a thorough medical and mental health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now and past events, including childhood ones. They'll also look for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies, hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Adults with inattentive ADHD are treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve focus and reduce the impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like clonidine and atomoxetine, can be used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse side negative effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to minimize their symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches them how to modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults may also benefit from a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and not realize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a tough to stay focused or organized, which can cause difficulties at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other illnesses, like anxiety or depression. These comorbidities may influence their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult for them to access treatment as they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD still favor male behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd may fluctuate from day to day. This is particularly true when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an influence on specific areas of the mind including executive functions, verbal memories sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen decreases in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with partners who aren't familiar with and have difficulty asserting their rights. They may also be at greater risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they lack contraception.
Women and girls with adhd can find effective ways to cope that can help them manage symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to understand their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior for healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the issues that women and girls with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulty dealing with criticism or stress. It could also manifest 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 pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar aggressive behaviors that males and females. They may be constantly frenzied or agitated and on the move. They may also talk excessively and make quick decisions. These problems can also result in them being rude or unkind, as well as engage in risky behavior. Some women and girls with ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially prevalent during the adolescent stage.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms, even though they may cause difficulties at school or at work. This can make them seem more organized or an idealist, and it can prevent people from noticing that they have trouble staying on task or are easily distracted. Women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using alcohol or other drugs to mask their issues.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior, which may lead to a misdiagnosis of females or girls. The symptoms might not be identified as being connected to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters, which can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. A registered dietitian can help you develop a plan to meet your individual requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, however, when it gets out of control and impacts your daily life it could indicate that you have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in normal or everyday situations. They are present even when there is any reason to be concerned, and they cause you physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women as men, and they can interfere with work and personal relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues that can result in tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. Mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep enough which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times of your life based on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms can change during the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms may also be more evident during menstrual cycles, or during stressful times like the breakup of a relationship, job loss, or major life events.
A good night's sleep can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to go to bed at the same time each night, and establish an established wake-up time. Try listening to calming music or meditate prior to going to bed, and reduce screen time to increase your sleep quality. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes per day or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to sunlight.