ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD come up with strategies to manage their symptoms. Some of these include establishing routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They could also resort to bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies could become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it difficult for them to remain focused on their work and more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty managing their work and personal lives, which may affect their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay bills, and are prone to procrastination. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These problems may get worse during, before and after menopause.
Many experts believe that it is more difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept 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 particularly if they are impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to live full, happy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select an expert who is well-versed in the disorder and knows how it affects women. add symptoms in adult women include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT along with other therapeutic methods to improve impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also often struggle with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection that makes it difficult for them to keep relationships going. This can lead to women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in risky sexual behavior, have unplanned pregnancy or seek out casual sexual partners.
In addition, women with ADHD may have trouble making friends and interacting naturally with others, especially if they have hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms. This makes it difficult to be accepted at school, work or in other social situations. They may also find it difficult to read body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to stay in a rut or have a desire to move forward. This can make it difficult to finish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. It can be a challenge for women to stay focused on their commitments and social interactions. Women can also have emotional outbursts, or be lacking in self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is crucial to seek assistance. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase self-esteem and confidence. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms by making lifestyle changes treatment, therapy and medications.
A good night's sleep can help reduce ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. A person suffering from ADHD may also benefit from using blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women with ADHD however, it's not a sign of the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or other related issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD are usually low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as girls and women who are the same age. Inability to recognize social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can also result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially relevant during pregnancy and puberty and also during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for men and boys. Additionally there are a lot of expectations for women. It can be stressful when juggling with symptoms of ADHD. This can lead to stress, depression and anxiety. It could also contribute to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is prevalent in teenagers and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
If you're suffering from impulsive type ADHD symptoms, you're quick to act without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak during a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or end sentences of other people. It can also be difficult to determine the appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These behaviors can affect your ability to maintain your job or maintain a relationship and can make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family, friends and coworkers.
Women with impulsive type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are unkind or apathetic because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to complete tasks at work or home or lose 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.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have secretaries, assistants or cleaning services to help them deal with the chaos that can make them forget appointments, not pay bills or miss deadlines. They may find it easier to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias is one of the reasons women with the impulsive type 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.
Other reasons a woman with impulsive-type ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. People suffering from depression might have difficulty in attempting to control the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It is also 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 feel. This can be made worse by the lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are similar to depression. The symptoms may include feeling depressed and worthless and having trouble in concentrating or sleeping, and being anxious. Many times, the two conditions are paired and treated by a doctor. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. Inability to focus and pay attention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings, which may lead you to conflicts. In work or school settings such issues could cause colleagues and coworkers to interpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify depression and ADHD. They frequently alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotional. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy methods to cope, such as excessive alcohol and substance use particularly during adolescence. This could make it difficult for them to realize that their ADHD is the root of their issues, and can delay getting a diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can differ. Certain people have milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control and teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a number medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). There are other non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can tell you more about the benefits and dangers of these medications. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions for managing your symptoms. For example, you might use a planner, writing down reminders, and taking notes at meetings to keep your schedule organized. You may also benefit from joining an women's ADHD support group.