Blog entry by Elton Diamond
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms can be less apparent than those of men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms exacerbated by hormonal changes such as during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the 4 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
People with inattention ADHD are unable to keep track of their daily needs. They may not remember to pick up the laundry or empty the trash bins and have trouble keeping pace in conversations. They might leave work documents on their desks, fail to pick up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with unwashed dishes and clutter. They are more prone to make careless mistakes that can have costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is also associated with a higher difficulty coping with social rejection, and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, such as self-harming behaviour and a lack of ability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support that can cause emotional distress and low mood. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by developing a sense of bravado which could result in high-risk activities like drug and alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang participation.
For adults, it can be difficult to diagnose ADHD since symptoms can appear to change in time. However, it's important to undergo a thorough mental and medical health evaluation so that a qualified health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms for adhd in adults, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders learning disabilities, cognitive decline, allergies, and certain medications.
Adults suffering from inattentional ADHD are treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications and medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs because they help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine can be used when stimulants don't help or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and learn coping skills to reduce their symptoms. They can also benefit cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD may find it difficult to understand and may not recognize the impact of their condition on their lives. They may have a difficult to stay focused or organized, which can cause difficulties at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Girls and women with ADHD may experience low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms affect their social. This can also make it more difficult to seek treatment because they are less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors. Many women hide their symptoms, which can lead to them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd and asd symptoms may vary from day to day particularly during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, hormones can have a direct impact on the function of certain parts of the brain including executive functions such as sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone is elevated. This combination can worsen ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with people who aren't familiar with and have a hard time asserting themselves. They may also be at risk of being victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, because they may not have access to contraception.
Girls and women with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that can help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior for more healthy ones. In certain situations, doctors might recommend couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings or difficulty dealing with criticism or stress. It can also manifest as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms victimization. They may also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, like promiscuity or a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illness. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Women and girls with ADHD may exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that males and females. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and on the move. They can also talk a lot and make rapid decisions. These problems can also lead to them being aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behavior. Some girls and women with ADHD are also prone to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true in the adolescent years.
Although these issues can make it difficult for people to perform at work or at school, many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are adept at masked these symptoms. This can make them appear more organized or a perfectionist. It could also deter people from noticing that they struggle to stay on task or are easily distracted. Women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior and could cause under-diagnosis for women or girls. The symptoms of adhd core symptoms are often not recognized and may be absorbed. This can lead to feelings of self-doubt or shame.
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits whole grains, whole grains and healthy fats can boost concentration and mood for adolescents and adults suffering from high-functioning adhd in females symptoms. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce stress, anxiety and depression among those suffering from the disorder. A registered dietitian can help you make a plan that meets your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily life it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in normal or routine situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to be concerned and may result in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women as males, and they can interfere with the work environment and personal relationships.
The gender can also affect the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which can be interpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can lead to social problems, like strained relationships and unfulfilling careers. Mood swings may also cause insomnia and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
Symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, your age, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more apparent during menstrual cycles or when you're under stress such as an breakup or job loss, or major life events.
A good night's sleep can reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to go to bed at the same time each night, and set a regular wakeup time. Try listening to calming music or meditate prior to going to bed and limit screen time to enhance your sleep quality. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains and lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise for 30 minutes a day or use an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.