ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. One of them is creating a daily routine and establishing phone reminders. They could also resort to bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies could become unsustainable. They could also develop co-occurring conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD are more likely to be unfocused and have a harder time staying focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They can also have trouble with organizing their personal and professional lives, which may affect their performance at work. They might miss appointments, fail to pay bills or delay their work. They may have difficulty reading or doing math. These difficulties can worsen before, during and after menopausal transition.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are better at masking 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 can be perceived by others as less acceptable, especially if impulsive and disorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to live full, happy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select a professional who is familiar with the disorder and how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT with other therapeutic practices to enhance impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps people learn skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection that makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to pursue intimate partners or engage in sexually risky 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 difficult to fit in with others at work, at school or in other social settings. They might also find it difficult to understand body language and detect social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel the urgent need to get moving. This can make it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. It may also be challenging for women to stay focused on their commitments and social interactions. They may also be afflicted by emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
It is essential for women with ADHD to seek help when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms by making changes in lifestyle as well as therapy and medication.
Sleeping enough can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved through following a routine for bedtime, limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating according to an established schedule. A woman suffering from ADHD could benefit from blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression is a common occurrence among women suffering from ADHD although it's not a symptom of the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effect of untreated ADD or deeper issues like low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD tend to be low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform well as girls and women who are the same age. Inability to read social cues and difficulties with social interactions can result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy and also during perimenopause or menopause as hormones change.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for men and boys. Additionally, society has many expectations for women, which can be stressful to juggle with the symptoms of ADHD. This can lead depression, stress, and anxiety. It could also contribute to the development non-suicidal-self-injury which is common in young women and teens who have ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you suffer from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait to get your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or end their sentences. It can also be difficult to judge appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These behaviors can impact your ability to sustain relationships or work and can make it difficult to live up to expectations from family or friends.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They might feel that people are judging or ignoring them due to their inability to concentrate or keep up. They may be unable to complete tasks at home or at work, or they might misplace their wallet or keys. They may be at risk of spending money on items that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who can assist them in overcoming the chaos that can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay bills. It may be easier for them to manage their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their friends and family than in the office.
Gender bias is a reason that women suffering from impulsive type ADHD are underdiagnosed. 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.
Other reasons women with impulsive-type ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. Patients suffering from depression may find it difficult to control the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. Those impulsive behaviors can also cause feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD suffer from. This can be made worse due to a lack of support from family members.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women suffering from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that resemble depression. These can include feeling low and unimportant, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating or being anxious and easily annoyed. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with other people. In romantic or platonic partnerships your issues with attention and focus could heighten frustrations and misunderstandings that can cause conflict. In school or at work, these problems can cause colleagues and coworkers to interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They often change their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotional. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy methods of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug use, especially in adolescence. This can make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the reason for their issues, and can delay getting a correct diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from person to person even within the same family. Some sufferers have milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily life.
There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. signs and symptoms of adhd in women can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control and teach you how to manage your emotions.
Additionally to that, there are a variety 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 include atomoxetine, viloxazine, Clonidine, and Guanfacine. Your doctor can explain the advantages and risks of these drugs. They may also be able to give you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to keep track of your schedule, or take notes during meetings and write down reminders. You may also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.