Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less obvious in women and girls than they are in boys and men. This can cause a misdiagnosis, or underdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms exacerbated due to hormonal changes like menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that includes strategies for lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and assist people to achieve success at home and work.
InattentivenessEveryone loses their keys and forgets to do an assignment occasionally, but people with inattentive ADHD can't stop losing their way to the things they require in everyday life. They may leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up the trash or wash clothes and struggle to keep pace during conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They are prone to make errors that aren't considered and can lead to costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty managing social rejection and academic underachievement than their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways of coping, such as self-harming behavior and an inability to maintain friendships or access peer support. This can lead to emotional distress and a low mood. They may try to compensate for these difficulties by developing a self-confidence and may cause them to engage in high risk activities such as drug or alcohol consumption, promiscuity, or gang involvement.
For adults, it may be difficult to diagnose adhd and odd symptoms because symptoms may change as time. It's important that you have an extensive mental and medical evaluation to ensure that a qualified healthcare provider can make an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also consider other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, cognitive decline as well as allergies and medications.
Adults with inattentional ADHD can be treated using therapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. The most common ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help focus and reduce impulses. Non-stimulants, like atomoxetine and clonidine, can be employed when stimulants aren't helping or cause side negative effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD alter their surroundings and develop coping techniques to manage their symptoms. They may also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches how to manage emotions and change the way they think about negative thoughts. A life coach or adhd rage symptoms coach can also be helpful for adults, assisting them to establish a routine and establish realistic expectations for themselves.
Hyperactivity
Women who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty to understand and may not realize the impact of their condition on their lives. They may find it difficult to remain focused or organized, which can cause problems at school and work, as well as their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities can have a direct effect on their symptoms, and how they manage them.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD can develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms affect them socially. It may also be more difficult for them to get treatment as they are less likely to receive an appointment from their teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Many women also have the ability to cover up their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and undertreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd can change from day-to-day. This is especially true in the course of hormonal changes like menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct influence on specific areas of the mind that are involved in executive functions, verbal memories sleep, and concentration.
For example, estrogen decreases after ovulation, and in the middle of the menstrual cycle while progesterone rises. This combination exacerbates adhd symptom checker (what is it worth) symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls who suffer from ADHD are more impatient and impulsive, leading to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a higher chance of engaging in sexual activity with partners that they aren't sure about, and they have difficulties asserting their desires. They could also be more at risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they do not have contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters may find effective coping techniques to help manage their symptoms. They can also benefit by undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to better manage their emotions and thoughts, and to replace harmful behaviors with healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might recommend couples therapy or family therapy to resolve the issues that girls and women with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to have difficulty managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulty coping with stress or criticism. It may be manifested as an sensitivity to sexual abuse or other forms victimization. They are also more likely to develop sexual issues, including promiscuity, or a higher chance of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
The same impulsive symptoms that both boys and men with ADHD suffer from can also be observed in women and girls suffering from the disorder, such as being fidgety, always in motion, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making decisions without considering them. These issues can cause them to be abrasive or rude, as well engaging in risky behavior. Some 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 during the adolescent years.
Many girls and women with ADHD can hide these signs even though they cause difficulties at school or at work. This can make them appear more careful, or perfectionists. It also can stop people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble keeping their focus. Some women who suffer from ADHD also adopt unhealthy strategies to cope that include using drugs or alcohol to cover up their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could lead to under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as related to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits whole grains healthy fats, protein and healthy fats can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can boost focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. A registered dietitian can help you develop a plan to meet your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but if it becomes uncontrollable and affects your daily life, you could have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and excessive fear in normal or non-threatening situations. They persist even when there's little or any reason to worry and cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect relationships and work.
The gender of your partner can also impact the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems, such as broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. These mood swings can make it difficult to sleep which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more apparent at certain times of your life depending on your age, gender, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms of inattentive adhd in adults may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal or pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The symptoms of ADHD are also more noticeable during menstruation, or they can be more severe during times of heightened stress such as breaking up, job loss or any major life occasion.
Getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, so try to fall asleep at the same time every night, and establish an alarm clock that is set for a regular time. To get better sleep, try listening to calming music before bedtime or meditating. A healthy diet can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Try to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, 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 a day or make use of a light therapy device to increase exposure to sunlight.