ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. These include establishing a daily schedule and setting reminders for phone calls. They can also make use of bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms may not be sustainable. They could also develop co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviours like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it more difficult to keep their attention on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They can also have trouble with organizing their professional and personal lives, which could affect their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, or fail to pay their bills and may be susceptible to procrastination. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These problems can get worse in the months prior to, during or after menopause.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for women and girls to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept in hiding their symptoms. This may be because of gender stereotypes that view boys and men as more boisterous than girls and women, according to Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). These behaviors may be viewed by others as unacceptable, especially if impulsive and chaotic.
The good news is that it's possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select an expert who is well-versed in the disorder and how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT along with other therapeutic methods to enhance impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women suffering from ADHD are often plagued with rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether it is real or perceived. This causes them to be unable to keep relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis or engage in risky sexual behaviors or have unplanned pregnancies.
In addition, women with ADHD may have trouble making friends and interacting naturally with others, especially if they have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms. This can make it hard to fit in at work, school or other social situations. They may also find it difficult to read body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD find it hard to sit still or are driven to move forward. This makes it difficult to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to fulfill their social obligations or follow through with their commitments. They also have to deal with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD It is essential to seek out help. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. With lifestyle changes and medication, it is possible to lessen or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also help reduce ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular basis can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression, though not an indicator of ADHD is a common occurrence in women with the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or deeper issues like low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD tend to be insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform as well as girls and women who are the same age. Having difficulty with social interaction and being unable to pick up on social cues can also contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder to be diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly evident during pregnancy and puberty and also during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for men and boys. In addition, society has many expectations for women, which can be stressful when juggling with the symptoms of ADHD. This can lead anxiety, depression and anxiety. It could also contribute to self-injury that is not suicide-related, which is common among teens and young women who have ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you suffer from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait for your turn in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt others or end their sentences. You are also unable to judge the appropriateness of your social actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to maintain the relationship or job you have and they can make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family members, colleagues and friends.
Women suffering from impulsive ADHD struggle with managing their emotions. This can lead to conflicts in relationships and at in the workplace. They may feel that others are critical or disrespectful because they can't keep up or focus. They may be unable to complete tasks at the office or at home or lose their keys or wallet. They might be inclined to spending money on items that aren't worth the money or they could lose track of important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is particularly true in their professional lives. They might employ assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them cope with the chaos that can cause them to miss appointments, forget to pay bills or fail to meet deadlines. adult adhd symptoms women may find it easier to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons why women suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD are not diagnosed. Doctors and teachers tend to look for the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms that are more common in boys and men when making diagnoses, so they're more likely to overlook or dismiss a woman's symptoms as anxiety or mood-related rather than ADHD.
Depression, which is usually caused by or coexists with ADD, can also be a reason for why a woman suffering from an impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. Patients suffering from depression may find it difficult to control the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Those impulsive behaviors can also cause feelings of self-doubt and despair that some women with ADD experience. This can be exacerbated by the lack of support from family members.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These symptoms can include feeling worthless and low, having difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as being angry. Many times, the two conditions are combined and treated by a doctor. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with others. Your inability to concentrate and pay attention can result in frustrations and miscommunications, which may lead you into conflict. These issues can result in colleagues or coworkers not understanding your behavior in work or school situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because women are more adept at masking their symptoms. They tend to alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotional. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse, especially during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the root of their problems, and delay getting a correct diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from one person to another even within the same family. Some people have milder symptoms, which are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
There are several treatment options available for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control. They also help you manage your emotions.
In addition there are a myriad of medications used to treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants are also available like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree), Clonidine (Kapvay), and Guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more about these medications as well as their advantages and potential risks. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. For instance, you can try using an organizer and note-taking reminders and taking notes at meetings to help you stay on track. You may also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.