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 evident than the men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may also experience symptoms worsened due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and assist people to succeed at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are unable to keep up with their daily demands. They might forget to clean up the laundry or empty the trash bins and struggle to keep up with conversations. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty keeping up with conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with dishes that have not been cleaned. They're more prone to making mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is associated with a higher difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or access peer support which can cause depression and emotional distress. They may compensate for these issues by displaying a strong attitude that could result in high-risk behaviors such as drug or alcohol prostitution, or involvement in gangs.
For adults, it can be difficult to identify ADHD because symptoms may appear to change as time. It's crucial to undergo a a complete medical and mental evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now, including childhood events. They'll also be looking for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration, learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Adults suffering from inattentive ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse consequences. Therapy can also aid adults with inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. Adults may also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to create an effective routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to understand and may not recognize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a difficult managing their time or staying organized, which can cause difficulties at school and work, as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like anxiety or depression. These comorbidities may directly impact their symptoms and how they manage those symptoms.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships, because of how their symptoms affect them socially. It is also more difficult for them to access treatment as they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which can result in them not being diagnosed and untreated.
A second challenge is that adhd symptoms can change from day to day. This is especially true during hormonal changes such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. Hormones also have an effect on certain parts of the brain that are involved in executive functions, verbal memories, sleep and concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone is elevated. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and more prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activities with partners who they are not sure about, and they may have difficulty expressing their needs. They may also be at a higher risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they do not have contraception.
Women and girls with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that will help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to comprehend their thoughts and feelings and replace negative patterns of behavior to healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the challenges that girls and women with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulties coping with criticism or stress and vulnerability to sexual assault and other types of victimization. They could also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
The same impulsive signs that both boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be seen in women and girls with the disorder, such as being fidgety, always on the go, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without considering them. These problems can also cause them to be abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviours. Additionally, certain girls and women who suffer from ADHD are susceptible to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting or burning, especially in adolescence.
Many women and girls with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, even though they may be unable to function at school or at work. This can make them appear more diligent, or perfectionists. This can prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or having difficulty staying focused. Some women who suffer from ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol or other drugs to mask their issues.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior which could result in a misdiagnosis of females or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized 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 high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily routine it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by a sense of unease, discomfort and a high level of anxiety in benign or normal situations. I Am Psychiatry are present even when there is little or any reason to worry and can cause 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 also impact how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This can cause social problems like strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life, based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman with ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more noticeable during menstruation, or they can be more severe during times of stress, such as the break-up of a relationship, a job loss, or any major life event.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try to sleep at the same time every night and set a regular time to get up. Try listening to music that is calming or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to increase your quality of sleep. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can help decrease symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day or use the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.