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 those of boys and men who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women can also experience symptoms that are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, like those that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for living and medication can improve relationships and assist people to achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are not able to keep track of their daily needs. They may forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash cans and may struggle to keep up with conversations. They may leave work documents on a desk, fail to pick up the trash or wash clothes, and have trouble keeping pace in conversations. Their homes are often strewn with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is associated with more difficulty coping with social rejection and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers, which can lead to depression and emotional distress. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by developing a strong sense of bravado, which can lead them into high risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity or gang involvement.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change as time passes. It is essential to have a complete medical and mental evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration and learning disabilities, allergies and certain medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD can be treated using psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medication. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine may be used when stimulants don't work or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which teaches them how to reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults may also benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them set up the right schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and may not realize the impact of their conditions on their lives. They may find it difficult to stay organized or focused and this can lead to problems at work and school and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD can develop low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships due to how their symptoms affect their social. This can make it harder to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be recommended by teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day, especially when hormonal changes occur, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have an impact on certain areas of the brain including executive functions, verbal memories sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms significantly.
Girls and young women who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient and susceptible to conflict in their relationships. They are at greater risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners who they aren't certain about, and they have difficulties asserting their needs. They could also be at risk of being victims of sexual assault and domestic violence since they might not have a method of contraception.
Women and girls with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that can help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better be aware of their thoughts and feelings and replace negative behaviors for more healthy ones. In certain instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to address the issues that girls and women with ADHD might face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty managing stress or criticism. It may also manifest as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience sexual issues, such as promiscuity and higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. As a result, females suffering from ADHD may often be more likely to seek treatment later in life.
Girls and women who have ADHD might exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that males and females. These include being fidgety or restless and always moving. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making rapid decisions. These issues can result in them becoming aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviors. Additionally, certain girls and women who suffer from ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting, burning or scratching, especially in adolescence.
While these symptoms can make it hard to perform at work or at school, many women and girls with ADHD are adept at hiding these symptoms. adhd symptoms women can make them seem more organized or an idealist, and it can also prevent others from noticing they are unable to stay on track or get distracted. Some women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior and could cause under-diagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and internalized. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can boost concentration and mood for teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost focus and concentration and release feel-good neurotransmitters to reduce stress, anxiety and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can help create a plan for your individual requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it gets out of control and becomes a problem in your daily life it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by a sense of unease, discomfort and a high level of fear in normal or benign situations. They can be present even when there's little or any reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can impact relationships and work.
Gender can also play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are managed. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues that can result in tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. These mood swings can also make it harder to sleep enough, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more evident at certain times of your life depending on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more noticeable when menstruating or during stressful times, such as a breakup or job loss, or major life events.
Sleeping enough can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to sleep at the same time each night, and set an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. Try listening to calming music or meditation before you go to bed, and reduce screen time to increase your quality of sleep. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes per day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.