ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. Yet these symptoms may be less evident than the men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes such as during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to do an assignment sometimes, but people with inattentive ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They may forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash cans. They also have trouble keeping up with conversations. Their homes are often messy and not cleaned. They are more prone to make careless mistakes that can have costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more trouble coping with academic failure and social rejection than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to keep friendships or gain access to peer support. This can result in emotional distress and a low mood. They may compensate for these issues by displaying a strong sense bravado which can result in high-risk behaviors like alcohol or drug use, prostitution and/or involvement in gangs.
Adults can be a challenge in diagnosing ADHD because symptoms can change over time. It's important that you have an exhaustive mental and medical evaluation to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnose. They will consider the person's behavior in the past and now, including childhood events. They'll also consider other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision problems, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults suffering from inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medication. The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve focus and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine can be used if stimulants do not work or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also aid adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be beneficial for adults, helping them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may have difficulty to be understood and not be aware of the impact of their condition on their lives. They may have a hard to stay focused or well-organized, which can result in problems at work and school as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to have other conditions, such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can have a direct influence on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem or have difficulty maintaining friendships due to how their symptoms impact their social. It may also be more difficult to receive treatment because 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 behaviors. Many women can mask their symptoms which can result in them not being diagnosed and not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd change from day-to-day, especially during hormonal changes, like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have an impact on the function of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions such as sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is elevated. This combination exacerbates ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls who have ADHD may be more impulsive, impatient, and prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with partners they don't know and have difficulties asserting themselves. They may also be at greater risk of sexual assault or domestic violence due to the fact that they do not have contraception.
adhd signs in adults and girls with adhd can develop effective strategies to cope that help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from engaging in therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to improve their understanding and control of their thoughts and emotions and to replace bad behaviors with healthier ones. In some cases doctors may recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings or difficulty managing stress or criticism. It may be accompanied by sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Girls and women who have ADHD may exhibit similar behavior patterns that men and boys. These include being fidgety or restless and always in motion. They can also talk a lot and make quick decisions. These problems can also result in them being rude or unkind, as well as engage in risky behavior. Women and girls with ADHD are also prone to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI), which can include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially true during the adolescent years.
Many women and girls with ADHD can hide these signs, even though they may cause difficulties at school or at work. This can make them appear more diligent or even perfectionists. This can prevent others from noticing that they're easily distracted or have difficulty staying on task. Some 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 toward male behavior which can cause a misdiagnosis for females or girls. The symptoms might not be recognized as related to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD, a diet rich in vegetables, fruits whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost mood and attention. Regular exercise can boost focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. A registered dietitian can help you make a plan that meets your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it gets out of control and becomes a problem in your daily life, you could have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by a sense of unease, discomfort and excessive fear in normal or benign situations. They can be present even when there's no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent for women than men, and can interfere with your personal and professional relationships.
The gender can also affect how you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems, such as strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. The mood swings can also make it difficult to sleep and can increase the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident 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, your symptoms can fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD are also more apparent during menstrual cycles, or they can be more severe during times of stress, such as breaking up, job loss or any major life occasion.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to fall asleep at the same time each night, and set an established wake-up time. To improve your sleep try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Try eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try exercising for 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.