ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less evident than those of men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may also suffer from symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, like the ones that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and assist people to achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to do an assignment occasionally, but people who suffer from inattention ADHD can't stop losing track of the things they require for everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They are susceptible to making careless mistakes that can have costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with a greater struggle to deal with social rejection and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways for coping, like self-harming behavior and an inability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can result in emotional distress and a low mood. They may attempt to overcome these issues by developing a sense of bravado and may cause them to engage in high risk activities like drug and alcohol consumption, promiscuity, or gang involvement.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change in time. However, it's important to have a full mental and medical health assessment to ensure that a trained health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's behaviour in the past and present, including childhood events. They'll also be looking for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants do not work or cause adverse side effects. In addition, therapy can help adults with inattentive ADHD learn to alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies that will minimize the symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which teaches them to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be beneficial for adults, helping them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling accepted, and may struggle to comprehend the impact that their disorders impact their lives. They may have a tough time staying focused or organized, which can result in problems at work and school as well as in their private lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These co-morbidities can have an immediate influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way that their symptoms affect them socially. This may make it harder for them to seek help because they are less likely to be recommended by teachers or parents. In addition, rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. This is particularly relevant when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct influence on specific areas of the brain including executive functions, verbal memories and sleep, as well as concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone increases. This causes ADHD symptoms significantly.
Young women and girls who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient, and prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with people they don't know and have a hard time asserting their rights. They may also be at a higher risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they are not contraceptive.
Girls and women with adhd can find effective strategies to cope to manage their symptoms. symptoms of adhd in adults can also benefit by undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace bad patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, issues in coping with stress or criticism and sensitivity to sexual assault and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to develop sexual issues, including sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. This means that females suffering from ADHD are often more likely to seek treatment later in life.
Girls and women who have ADHD might exhibit the same impulsive behaviors as men and boys. These include being constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making quick decisions. These problems can also cause them to be abrasive or unkind, aswell as engage in risky behavior. Additionally, certain women and girls with ADHD can be prone to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) that includes cutting or burning, especially in the adolescent stage.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can mask these symptoms even though they be unable to function at school or in the workplace. This can make them seem more conscientious or a perfectionist. It can prevent others from noticing they struggle to stay on task or are easily distracted. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior and could cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and internalized. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can boost concentration and mood for adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, stress and depression in those with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help you develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control and becomes a problem in your daily routine you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress and a fear of the unknown in benign or regular situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to worry and can result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent for women than men, and they can impact the work environment and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings that can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can cause social problems such as strained relationships and unfulfilling careers. The mood swings can also cause insomnia which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, depending on your gender age, your age and hormone levels. For example, 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. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more noticeable during menstruation or become more prominent during periods of stress, such as breaking up, job loss, or an important life occasion.
Getting enough sleep can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD So, try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and set an established wake-up time. To help you sleep better, try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger allergies or sensitivities. Try eating plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes a day or use a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.