Blog entry by Cora Gain
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 noticeable than those of men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or mistaken diagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the 4 years leading up to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and help people achieve success at home and work.
Inattentiveness
People who are inattentional ADHD are not able to keep the track of their daily activities. They might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash cans, and they may struggle to keep up with conversations. They might leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans, and have trouble keeping the pace of conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They're prone to making careless mistakes that could have devastating consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty coping with academic failure and social rejection than other students. They may develop coping strategies that are dysfunctional, like self-harming behavior and inability to sustain friendships or gain access to peer support, which can lead to emotional distress and low mood. They may attempt to alleviate these issues by displaying a strong confidence that can lead to high-risk activities such as drug or alcohol prostitution, or involvement in groups.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change in 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'll take into account the patient's present and past behavior, which includes childhood experiences. They will also check for conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, cognitive degeneration as well as allergies, learning disabilities, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medication. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve concentration and decrease impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, can be used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse consequences. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD modify their environment and learn coping skills to reduce their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be useful for adults, assisting them to 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 affect their lives. They may have a tough time staying focused or organized, which can lead to difficulties at school and work and in their personal lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other health issues, like anxiety or depression. These comorbidities can have a direct impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects women and girls in particular, they can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult to receive treatment since they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. Additionally, the scales of rating used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male-dominated behaviors. Women are also prone to the ability to mask their symptoms, which could result in them being undiagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day to day. This is especially true when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have an effect on the functioning of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Girls and young women with ADHD are more impulsive and impatient, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual activities with partners they don't know and have a hard time asserting themselves. They may also be at a higher risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they are not contraceptive.
Girls and women suffering from adhd can benefit from effective strategies to cope that help them manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them understand how to better comprehend their thoughts and feelings, and to swap out negative patterns of behavior for more healthy ones. In certain instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the issues that women and girls with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings and difficulty dealing with criticism or stress. It may be manifested as sensitivity to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to develop psychosexual issues, like promiscuity or a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females suffering from ADHD tend to be more likely to seek treatment in adulthood.
Women and girls who suffer from adhd symptoms in women adults may exhibit similar aggressive behaviors that males and females. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making rash decisions. These problems can also cause them to be abrasive or unkind, aswell being prone to risky behaviors. In addition, some women and girls with ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI) which includes cutting or burning particularly during the adolescent stage.
Although these issues can make it hard to function in the workplace or school, many women and girls who suffer from ADHD are adept at masked them. This can make them appear more meticulous or a perfectionist, and it can also prevent others from noticing that they have trouble staying focused or easily distracted. Some women with ADHD also develop unhealthy coping strategies which include the use of alcohol or drugs to cover up their difficulties.
The rating scales for diagnosing adhd depression symptoms (homepage) are still biased towards male behaviors which could cause a misdiagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD may not be recognized and may be absorbed. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can improve focus and concentration and also release good neurotransmitters, which can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. A registered dietitian can help create a plan for your specific requirements.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it gets out of control and affects your daily life, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by a sense of unease, discomfort and excessive fear in normal or benign situations. They are present when there is no reason to be concerned and may cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as prevalent in women as males, and they can impact the work environment and personal relationships.
It is also possible that gender plays a role in how your adhd and adults symptoms and anxiety are handled. Women with ADHD and anxiety often experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by other people. This can lead social issues, such as broken relationships and unsuccessful careers. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep and can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The signs of anxiety and ADHD can be more evident at certain times in your life, based on your gender, age, and hormone levels. If you're an adult male adhd symptoms woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. adhd overstimulation symptoms symptoms may also be more noticeable when menstruating or during times of stress, such as an breakup or job loss, or major life events.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD Try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and establish an established wake-up time. To get better sleep try listening to calming music prior to bed or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, 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 every day, or utilize a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.