Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less noticeable than those of men and boys who suffer from ADHD, which could lead to underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women may also notice their symptoms aggravated due to hormonal changes like during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication strategies can improve relationships and set people up for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys or forgets to complete an assignment at times, but those with inattentive ADHD aren't able to keep track of the things they need for everyday life. They may forget to pick up their laundry or empty the trash bins. They also have trouble maintaining a conversation. Their homes are often cluttered and unwashed. They are more prone to make mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have expensive consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty coping with academic and social rejection than other students. They may develop dysfunctional ways for coping, like self-harming behaviors and a lack of ability to keep friendships or gain access to peer support. This can result in feelings of emotional distress and a depressed mood. They may attempt to cope with these difficulties by developing a sense of bravado and may lead them into high risk activities such as drug or alcohol use, promiscuity and/or gang involvement.
For adults, it may be difficult to diagnose ADHD since symptoms can appear to change as time. It is important to undergo a complete mental and medical health evaluation to ensure that a trained health care provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll take into account the patient's behaviour in the past and present as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing or vision problems, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline and allergies, as well as certain medications.
Adults with inattentive ADHD are treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Stimulants, like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate, are the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications because they improve focus and reduce impulsivity. Non-stimulants, like clonidine and atomoxetine, are used when stimulants do not help or cause adverse consequences. Therapy can also assist adults suffering from inattentive ADHD modify their environment and develop coping techniques to reduce 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. Adults may also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up an effective schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD may find it difficult to be understood and not recognize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have difficulty to stay organized or focused and this can lead to problems at school and work as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to have other health issues, like depression or anxiety. These co-morbidities can have an immediate impact on their symptoms and how they manage them.
Because of the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women and women, they can suffer from low dopamine symptoms adhd self-esteem and struggle with maintaining friendships. This can make it more challenging for them to seek treatment, as they may be less likely to receive referrals by teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women can hide their symptoms which can result in them not being diagnosed and thus not being treated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd (Highly recommended Resource site) may change from day-to-day, especially during hormonal changes such as the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have an impact on the function of certain areas of the brain, including executive functions, verbal memory, sleep, and concentration.
Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This can cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.
Young women and girls who have ADHD are more impulsive, impatient, and prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners that they aren't certain about, and they have a harder time asserting their needs. They could also be more at risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they do not have contraception.
Girls and women suffering from adhd can benefit from effective coping strategies to manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by getting therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps them improve their understanding and control of their emotions and thoughts, and to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to resolve the issues that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more likely to have trouble managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings or difficulty managing stress or criticism. It can be manifested as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They also may be more likely to experience sexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may exhibit similar aggressive behaviors that boys and men. They may be unfocused or restless, and always in motion. They can also talk excessively and make rash decisions. These problems can also cause them to be rude or unkind, as well being prone to risky behaviors. Women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also prone to non-suicidal self-harm (NSSI), which can include burning, cutting or scratching. This is especially true in the adolescent stage.
Although these issues can make it hard to perform at work or at school, many girls and women with ADHD are skilled at masking them. This can make them appear more careful, or perfectionists. This can prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying focused. Women with ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope which include the use of drugs or alcohol to disguise their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behavior and could result in under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms of ADHD are often not recognized and internalized. This can cause feelings of shame or low self-esteem.
For teens and adults with ADHD, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and also release good neurotransmitters that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It is helpful to speak with an accredited dietitian to devise a plan that works best for each person.
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. Symptoms include distress, unease and an excessive fear in normal or routine situations. They persist even when there's little or any reason to worry and can cause physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect more women than men and can impact relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can also impact the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Women with ADHD and anxiety are often afflicted with mood swings that can be misinterpreted as "overly emotional" by others. This can lead to social problems such as strained relationships and unsuccessful careers. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep and can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety signs and symptoms of adhd in adults combined adhd symptoms can be more apparent at certain times in your life, based on your gender, age and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman with ADHD your symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal changes. Symptoms of ADHD can also be more noticeable during menstruation, or they can become more prominent during periods of stress like breaking up, job loss or any major life event.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to sleep at the same time each night, and establish a regular wakeup time. Try listening to music that is calming or meditate prior to going to bed, and limit screen time to increase your quality of sleep. Eating healthy can reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables whole grains, whole grains, nutritious fats and lean proteins. Exercise can reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes every day, or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.