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 for males and boys. This could result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like those during menstruation, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can help improve relationships and set people up for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone misplaces their keys or forgets to complete an assignment sometimes, but people who suffer from inattention ADHD aren't able to keep their focus on the things they require in everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often strewn with dishes that have not been cleaned. They are prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have expensive consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can cause emotional distress and a low mood. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by developing a strong confidence and may cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang involvement.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change in time. It is essential to have an exhaustive mental and medical assessment so that a skilled healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They will also check for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include stress and anxiety mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders as well as learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve focus and reduce the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants don't help or cause side consequences. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD modify their environment and learn coping skills to reduce their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be beneficial for adults, helping them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time feeling accepted, and may have a difficult time recognizing the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may have a hard to stay focused or organized, which can cause issues at school and at work as well as in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other illnesses, like depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can directly impact their symptoms, as well as how they manage them.
adult signs of adhd to the way ADHD affects women and girls and women, they can suffer from low self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. It can also be more difficult for them to get treatment since 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 hide their symptoms, which can result in them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is especially the case during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have an effect on certain parts of the mind, such as executive functions, memory of words sleep, and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone is elevated. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who have ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient and more prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater chance of engaging in sexual activities with partners who they aren't sure about, and have difficulties asserting their needs. They may also be at risk of sexual domestic violence and abuse due to the fact that they do not have access to contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can develop effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions and to replace bad behaviors with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to tackle the issues girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulty in coping with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other forms of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual problems, including promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females with ADHD may often be more likely to seek help as they grow older.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may exhibit similar impulsive behaviors as men and boys. They may be fidgety or restless and always in motion. They can also talk excessively and make rash decisions. These issues can lead to them being aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviours. Some girls and women who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially prevalent in adolescence.
While these signs can make it difficult to cope in the workplace or at school, many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are skilled at masking their symptoms. This can make them appear more conscientious or perfectionists. It also can stop others noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble staying focused. Some women who suffer from ADHD have unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behaviors, which could result in under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and internalized. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus as well as release feel good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is beneficial to consult a registered dietitian to create an appropriate plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, however, if it becomes out of control and affects your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and a high level of anxiety in benign or normal situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to worry, and cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can have a negative impact on relationships and work.
The gender can also affect how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which could be interpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can cause social problems, like strained relationships and not-fulfilling careers. The mood swings can make it difficult to sleep well which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD may be more noticeable during certain periods of your life, depending on your gender age, gender, and hormone levels. If you are an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more evident during menstrual cycle or flare up during periods of stress like a break-up, a job loss or any major life event.
Sleeping enough can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD So, try to sleep at the same time every night, and establish a regular wakeup time. To get better sleep, try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes per day or use a light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.