ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less apparent for women and girls than they are for males and boys. This could result in a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may have symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, like those during menstruation or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle strategies and medication can enhance relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are incapable of keeping the track of their daily activities. They might forget to clean up the laundry or empty the trash bins and may be unable to keep up with conversations. They might leave work-related documents on a desk, fail to pick up garbage or empty trash bins and struggle to keep the pace of conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to expensive consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is associated with a greater difficulty coping with social rejection, as well as academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or access peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to overcome these issues by developing a strong confidence and may lead them into high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD because symptoms may change as time. It's important that you have an extensive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities as well as allergies and medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medications. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most frequently prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse negative effects. In addition, therapy can assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping skills which will help reduce their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be beneficial for adults, assisting them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel accepted, and may struggle to comprehend the impact that their disorders impact their lives. They may have a difficult time staying focused or organized, which could result in problems at work and school as well as in their private lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Due to the way ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It is also more difficult for them to get treatment because they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Many women also have the ability to mask their symptoms, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd may differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have a direct effect on certain parts of the brain, such as executive functions, verbal memories and sleep, as well as concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone rises. This causes ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to a conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners they aren't certain about, and have difficulty expressing their needs. They could also be vulnerable to sexual domestic violence and abuse since they might not have a method of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd can benefit from efficient strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them better understand and manage their emotions and thoughts and to replace harmful patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the challenges that women and girls with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty managing stress or criticism. It can also manifest as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to suffer from sexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar aggressive behaviors that boys and men. These include being constantly frenzied or agitated and on the move. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making rapid decisions. These issues can cause them to be rude or rude, as well as engage in risky behavior. Additionally, certain women and girls who suffer from ADHD may be susceptible to self-injury that is not suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting, burning or scratching particularly in adolescence.
Many women and girls with ADHD can hide these signs, even though they may be unable to function at school or at work. This can make them appear more conscientious or even perfectionists. This can prevent others from noticing that they're easily distracted or have difficulty keeping their focus. Women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as using alcohol or drugs to cover their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior and could result in under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as being associated with ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can improve the mood and focus of teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus, as well as release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people with the disorder. It is helpful to consult a registered dietitian to create a plan that works best for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control, and interferes with your daily routine, you could have an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in normal or routine situations. They are present when there is no reason to be concerned and may result in physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women than men, and can affect work and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are managed. Many women who have both ADHD and anxiety have mood swings that could be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This can cause social problems that can result in broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. Mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep enough, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times in your life depending on your age, gender and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman with ADHD, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults can be more apparent during menstrual cycles or during stressful times like a breakup or job loss, or major life events.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD So, try to fall asleep at the same time each night, and set a regular wakeup time. To improve your sleep you can try listening to relaxing music prior to bed or meditating. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats and lean proteins. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day or employ an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.