ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. These include establishing a daily schedule and setting phone reminders. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms could become ineffective. They could also develop comorbid disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype, which makes it harder for them to remain focused on their work and are more likely to forget things. They also may have issues with organizing their professional and personal lives, which can impact their work performance. They may miss appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are prone to procrastination. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These problems can get worse before, during and after menopausal transition.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for girls and women to get diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept at 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 being less acceptable especially if they are impulsive or unorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women suffering from ADHD to lead happy, full and satisfying lives. It's important to choose a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can result in problematic behavior neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapies designed to improve impulse control and self-regulation and dialectical behavior therapy, which assists patients develop the skills needed to assist them in managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD often have a problem with sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether it's real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This can lead to women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in risky sexual behavior, have unplanned pregnancy or look for 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 for them to make friends with other people at school, at work or in other social settings. It can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and pick up on social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to wait or are driven to move forward. This can make it hard to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the home or paying the bills. It can also be difficult for women to stay focused on their commitments and social interactions. Women can also have emotional outbursts or a lack of self-control.
It is important for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. Through lifestyle changes, medication and therapy it is possible to decrease or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Sleeping enough can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all help improve sleeping habits. Women who suffer from ADHD could benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression, though not a symptom of ADHD is a common occurrence in women with the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or because of the root causes like low self-esteem, poor work performance and difficulty with relationships. Women with ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem because they do not perform like other women and girls their age. Inability to discern social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADD. This is because doctors often make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially true during puberty, pregnancy and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones are changing.
Women can also hide their symptoms more easily than men or boys. It can be difficult to balance the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can lead anxiety, depression and anxiety. It could also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is a common occurrence in teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you are suffering from the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait to get your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or end their sentences. It can also be difficult to judge social appropriateness or your actions. These behaviors can affect your ability to keep the relationship or job you have and they can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, friends and coworkers.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are criticizing or disrespecting them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They might be unable to complete tasks at work or at home or lose their keys or wallet. They might be inclined to spending money on things that aren't worth the money or they may lose track of important dates or appointments.
Women with ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services that can assist them in overcoming the chaos that can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay their bills. It might be easier for them to deal with their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias is one of the reasons women who suffer from an impulsive type of ADHD aren't 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 why women with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD is often difficult for people suffering from depression to manage, and it's a challenge to manage depression when struggling with the impulsive behavior. These impulsive symptoms may contribute to feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that some women with ADD have, which can be compounded by a lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to depression. The symptoms may include feeling unworthy and low as well as difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as being anxious. Doctors often combine the two disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships your struggles with attention and focus could heighten frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead to conflict. These issues can result in colleagues or coworkers thinking that your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of commitment, disinterest or hostility.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They change their behavior to meet social expectations and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly during adolescence. This can make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the root of their problems, and may delay getting a diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Certain people experience milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. These therapies can improve self-regulation as well as impulse control and teach you how to manage your emotions.
There are adhd in women signs of medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine, viloxazine, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor can provide more information about the advantages and risks of these medications. Your doctor may also have other suggestions for managing your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay on top of things, or take notes during meetings and write down reminders. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.