ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms can be less apparent than the men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms exacerbated due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle strategies and medication can enhance relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are not able to keep the track of their daily activities. They might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash cans and may struggle to keep up with conversations. They might leave work documents on their desks or fail to take care of the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to costly consequences.
Females who have inattention ADHD are also more difficult in managing social rejection and academic underachievement than other students. They may develop coping strategies that are not effective, such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or get support from peers which can cause depression and emotional distress. They might try to cope with these difficulties by gaining a confidence, which can lead them into high risk activities such as drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang participation.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD since symptoms can appear to change over time. It's crucial to have a full medical and mental health evaluation to ensure that a trained health professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now and past events, including childhood ones. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, are employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD modify their environment and develop coping techniques to reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. Adults can also benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them create an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might have a difficult time recognizing the impact their conditions impact their lives. They may have difficulty to stay focused or organized and this can lead to problems at school and work as well as in their personal 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 those symptoms.
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have difficulty keeping friendships up, due to the way their symptoms impact their social. This can make it more difficult to seek treatment and treatment, since they may be less likely to be recommended by parents or teachers. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women can hide their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and therefore not receiving treatment.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd can differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have an effect on the functioning of specific parts of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory and concentration.
adhd signs in adults rises after ovulation and estrogen decreases in the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women with ADHD can be more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners who they aren't sure about, and they may have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be at greater risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they are not contraceptive.
Women and girls with adhd may find effective coping techniques that can help them manage symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and swap out bad habits for more healthy ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to experience difficulties controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings or difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It may also manifest as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They may also be more prone to develop sexual problems, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. In turn, females suffering from ADHD may often be more likely to seek assistance in adulthood.
The same impulsive signs that boys and men with ADHD experience may also be seen in girls and women with the disorder, such as being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or restless, talking a lot and making decisions without thinking them through. These issues can result in them being rude or unkind, aswell as engage in risky behavior. Additionally, some women and girls with ADHD can be prone to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) that includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in adolescence.
While these signs can make it hard to cope in the workplace or school, many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are adept at hiding these symptoms. This can make them seem more organized or an idealist, and it can also prevent people from noticing that they have trouble staying focused or easily distracted. Some women with ADHD have unhealthy coping mechanisms that include drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms may not be recognized as being related to ADHD and can be internalized, leading to feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet high in vegetables, fruits whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can also boost concentration and focus and release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help create a plan for your specific requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it becomes uncontrollable and becomes a problem in your daily life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by a sense of unease, discomfort and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They are present when there is no reason to be concerned and may result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are handled. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. Mood swings may also cause insomnia which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles, or they can flare up during periods of stress, such as breaking up, job loss, or an important life occasion.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time every night and set a regular time to get up. To improve your sleep you can try listening to relaxing music before bedtime or meditating. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day or use a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.