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 in women and girls than they are for males and boys. This can lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms worsened by hormonal changes, such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and forgets to do an assignment at times, but those who suffer from inattention ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They might leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are susceptible to making errors that aren't considered and can lead to costly consequences.
Inattentional ADHD in females is also associated with a greater struggle to deal with social rejection and academic performance that is lower than their peers. They might develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behaviors and inability to sustain friendships or gain access to peer support, which can lead to depression and emotional distress. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by developing a strong self-confidence and may result in high-risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD because symptoms may appear to change over time. It's important that you have an extensive mental and medical assessment so that a skilled healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnose. They will consider the person's past and present behavior as well as childhood experiences. They'll also look for conditions that could trigger similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration as well as allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD can be treated with 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. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine are available if stimulants are not effective or cause side-effects. 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 teaches them to modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD frequently struggle to feel acknowledged, and they might struggle to comprehend the impact that their symptoms affect their lives. They may have a tough to stay focused or organized, which could result in issues at school and at work as well as in their private lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct effect on their symptoms, as well as how they manage those symptoms.
Women and girls with ADHD may experience low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships due to the way their symptoms impact their social. This may make it harder for them to seek treatment because they are less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Many women hide their symptoms which can lead to them not being diagnosed and not being treated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd change from day-to-day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones also have an impact on certain areas of the mind that are involved in executive functions, memory of words, sleep and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is elevated. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient, and more prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with partners they don't know and are a hard time asserting their rights. They could also be at risk of being victims of sexual assault and domestic violence due to the fact that they do not have a means of contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters might find effective strategies for coping that will help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and replace bad habits for healthier ones. In some cases doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy to resolve the issues that girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulties dealing with criticism or stress. It can be accompanied by an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They are also more likely to experience sexual issues, such as promiscuity, and a higher chance of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted illnesses. adhd symptoms women with ADHD are more likely to seek adult help.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that boys and men. They may be unfocused or restless, and always moving. They can also talk a lot and make rash decisions. These problems can also lead to them being rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behaviors. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true during the adolescent years.
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 seem more organized or an idealist, and it could also deter others from noticing they are unable to stay focused or easily distracted. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope, such as using drugs or alcohol to mask their problems.
The scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed towards male behavior which could cause a misdiagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms may not be identified as being related to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can improve concentration and mood for adults and teens with ADHD. Regular exercise can help improve concentration and focus and release good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can assist you to make a plan that meets your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, but when it gets out of control and affects your daily activities you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and a fear of the unknown in benign or regular situations. They persist when there is no reason to be worried and may cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women than men, and can affect work and personal relationships.
The gender of your partner can play an important role in how you ADHD and anxiety are managed. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings, which could be interpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can cause social issues, such as broken relationships and not-fulfilling careers. Mood swings can also make it harder to sleep well which can cause anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain periods of your life, depending on your gender age, gender, and hormone levels. For example, if you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more evident during menstrual cycle or when they be more severe during times of stress, such as breaking up, job loss, or a major life event.
Sleeping enough can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to sleep at the same time every night, and set an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. Try listening to calming adhd symptoms women or meditative before going to bed, and reduce screen time to enhance your quality of sleep. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Try eating lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbs. Exercise can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes per day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.