ADHD Symptoms For WomenGirls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less apparent in girls and women than they are in males and females. This can lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women may have symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or during perimenopausal periods (4 years before menopause). ADHD treatment that includes medication and lifestyle strategies can improve relationships and set people up for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are unable to keep the track of their daily activities. They might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins and may be unable to keep up with conversations. They might forget to clean up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have difficulty in keeping up with conversations. Their homes are usually cluttered with clutter and unwashed dishes. They are susceptible to making 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 may develop dysfunctional ways of coping, such as self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or gain access to peer support. This can lead to feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may compensate for these issues with a heightened confidence that can result in high-risk actions such as alcohol or drug consumption, prostitution or involvement in groups.
Adults may have trouble diagnosing ADHD as symptoms may change over time. It's important that you have a complete medical and mental evaluation so a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's past and present behavior and past events, including childhood ones. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Adults with
inattentive adhd in women symptoms ADHD can be treated with therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. The most commonly used ADHD medication is stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They improve concentration and decrease impulses. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and clonidine can be used if stimulants don't work or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD learn to alter their environment and develop coping techniques which will help reduce their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which teaches them how to change negative thinking patterns and manage their emotions. A life coach or ADHD coach can also be useful for adults, assisting them establish an established routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD often struggle to feel understood, and they may struggle to comprehend the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may have difficulty to remain focused or organized which can cause issues at work and school, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other ailments, such as depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Because of the way ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have difficulty maintaining friendships. This can make it more difficult to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Many women hide their symptoms, which can result in them not being diagnosed and not being treated.
Another issue is that
symptoms for adhd in adults of adhd can differ from day to day and can be particularly noticeable when hormonal changes occur, such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones also have an impact on certain areas of the brain that are involved in executive functions, verbal memories, sleep and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient, and prone to 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 more at risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they lack contraception.
Girls and women with adhd may find effective coping techniques that can help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit by getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy to improve their understanding and control of their thoughts and emotions and to replace unhealthy behaviour patterns with healthier ones. In some instances, doctors may recommend couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the issues that girls and women with ADHD can have in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulties managing stress or criticism. It can be manifested as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms of victimization. They could also be more likely to experience psychosexual issues, such as promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive behaviors that men and boys with ADHD experience may also be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, for example, being fidgety, constantly at a loss, irritable or agitated, talking too much and making decisions without thinking them through. These issues can cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behaviors. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI) which could include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is particularly true in the adolescent years.
Many girls and women with ADHD can hide these
signs and symptoms of adhd in women even though they make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more careful, or perfectionists. It also can stop others noticing that they are easily distracted or having difficulty keeping their focus. Some women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of alcohol or drugs to disguise their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose
adhd emotional symptoms tend to be biased towards male behavior and could lead to under-diagnosis of women or girls. The
symptoms of add and adhd in adults of ADHD are often not recognized and internalized. This can result in feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats can boost mood and attention for teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can boost concentration and focus and also release good neurotransmitters which help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It can be helpful to consult an experienced dietitian to develop an appropriate plan for each person.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human emotion, however, if it becomes out of control and impacts your daily activities you could be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by distress, unease and excessive fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They can be present even when there is no reason to worry, and result in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can affect relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can play an impact on how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This can cause social problems like tension in relationships or a lack of satisfaction at work. The mood swings can make it harder to get enough sleep, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD are more apparent during certain times of your life, based on your gender age, your age and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms could change throughout the month, or during menopausal and pregnancy, due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more evident during menstrual cycles, or when you're under stress, such as a breakup, job loss, or major life events.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and establish a time when you wake up. To help you sleep better you can try listening to relaxing music prior to bed or meditating. Healthy eating can also help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Try eating plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats and moderate amounts of carbohydrates. Exercise can reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise for 30 minutes each day or employ an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.