Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are more subtle for women and girls than they are for males and boys. This could lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal (the four years prior to menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle strategies and medication can enhance relationships and help people get their lives back on track at home and work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and fails to complete a task at times, but those with inattention ADHD cannot seem to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They might leave work documents on a desk or fail to take care of the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They are susceptible to making errors that aren't considered and can lead to expensive consequences.
Attention-deficit ADHD in females is also associated with more struggle to deal with social rejection, as well as academic performance that is lower than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional strategies for coping, like self-harming and an inability to maintain friendships or to access peer support. This can lead to emotional distress and a low mood. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by gaining a self-confidence which could result in high-risk activities such as drug or alcohol consumption, promiscuity, and/or gang participation.
For adults, it can be difficult to determine ADHD since symptoms can change over time. It is important to undergo a thorough mental and medical health evaluation to ensure that a certified health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They will consider the person's behaviour in the past and present, including childhood events. They'll also look for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, minerals deficiency, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications. Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate, are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and Clonidine are available if stimulants don't work or cause adverse effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD modify their environment and develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that helps you learn to manage emotions and reframe negative thoughts. A life coach or ADHD coach can be helpful for adults, assisting them to establish a routine and set realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to feel understood, and they may struggle to comprehend the impact their conditions affect their lives. They may have difficulty to remain focused or organized and this can lead to problems at school and work and in their personal lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. These complications can have a direct impact on their symptoms as well as how they manage them.
Women and girls who suffer from adhd symptoms in adult women can develop low self-esteem or have trouble maintaining friendships due to the way their symptoms affect them socially. It may also be more difficult to receive treatment as they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior. Women are also prone to the ability to hide their symptoms of adhd in adults, which could cause them to go undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can fluctuate from day to day. This is particularly relevant when there are hormonal changes, such as the menstrual period or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have an impact on the functioning of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone increases. This can cause ADHD symptoms dramatically.
Girls and young adults with adhd symptoms women who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive adhd symptoms, impatient, and susceptible to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with partners they don't know and have difficulty asserting themselves. They could also be at a higher risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence since they do not have contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters might find effective strategies for coping that can help them manage symptoms. They may also benefit from therapy, which could include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to understand their thoughts and feelings and replace bad habits for healthier ones. In some cases doctors may suggest couples therapy or family therapy to tackle the issues girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to struggle with controlling their emotions. This can manifest as mood swings, difficulty in coping with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other types of victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as promiscuity or a higher risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive behaviors that boys and men with ADHD experience may also be observed in girls and women with the disorder, such as being fidgety, always in motion, disruptive or agitated, talking too much and making decisions without thinking it through. These issues can lead to them being abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviours. Additionally, some girls and women with ADHD can be prone to self-injury non-suicidal (NSSI), such as cutting, burning or scratching, especially in the adolescent years.
Many girls and women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms even though they make it difficult to cope at school or in the workplace. This can make them appear more conscientious or a perfectionist. It can prevent others from noticing they have trouble staying on task or are easily distracted. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
The rating scales for diagnosing ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior which can result in a misdiagnosis of females or girls. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and may be absorbed. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, and healthy fats can boost the mood and focus of teens and adults with ADHD. Regular exercise can also boost concentration and focus, as well as release neurotransmitters that feel good and reduce stress, anxiety and depression in those with the disorder. It is helpful to talk with an experienced dietitian to develop a plan that works best for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, but when it gets out of hand and affects your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and a high level of fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They persist even when there's little or no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can impact relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are treated. Women who suffer from ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings, which could be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead social issues, such as broken relationships and not-fulfilling careers. These mood swings can also make it harder to get enough sleep, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more apparent at certain times of your life based on your age, gender, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD can also be more noticeable during menstruation or be more severe during times of stress, such as a break-up, a job loss, or an important life occasion.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and set a regular time to get up. To improve your sleep you can try listening to relaxing music before bed or practicing meditation. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so try eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Make sure you eat lots 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 30 minutes per day or use the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.
