ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms. This could include creating an agenda for the day and setting reminders on their phones. They could also resort to bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ may become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it difficult to keep their attention on tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have difficulty managing their work and personal lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are prone to procrastination. They might have trouble understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen in the months prior to, during or after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify ADHD. 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 unacceptable particularly if they are impulsive and chaotic.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. However, it's important to find a provider who is well-versed in the disorder and knows the way it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT together with other therapies to enhance impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also often struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection which makes it harder for them to maintain relationships. This can result in women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in risky sexual behaviors, get pregnant without planning 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 can make it hard to make friends at work, school or other social situations. It is also difficult for them to comprehend body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel a pressing need to move on. This can make it difficult for them to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. It can also be difficult for women to follow through on their commitments and social activities. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or a lack of self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is essential to seek out help. attention deficit in women can improve their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. Through lifestyle changes and medication, it is possible to decrease or completely eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's rest can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved with following a routine for bedtime by limiting screen time at night and eating according to a schedule. A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from using blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, while not an indicator of ADHD is quite common among women who suffer from the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effect of untreated ADD, or deeper issues like low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women suffering from ADD tend to be low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as women and girls of the same age. Inability to discern social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADD. This is because doctors often make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women for signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially relevant during pregnancy and puberty and also during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are undergoing changes.
Women can also hide their symptoms better than men or boys. Additionally there are many expectations for women that can be stressful to juggle with symptoms of ADHD. This can lead stress, depression and anxiety. It may be a factor in self-injury that is not suicide-related which is common in young women and teens who have ADHD.
Impulsive
If you're suffering from impulsive type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You aren't able to wait for your turn to speak during conversations, and you're more likely to interrupt or complete other people's sentences. You may also find it difficult to judge the social appropriateness or your actions. These behaviors can affect your ability to maintain your job or maintain a relationship and they can make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family members, friends and coworkers.
Women who suffer from hyperactive ADHD have a hard time controlling their emotions. This can cause conflicts in relationships and at the workplace. They might feel that other people are judging them or disdaining them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They might not be able to complete tasks at home or at work, or misplace their keys or wallet. They could be at risk of spending money on items that are not valuable or they could lose track of important dates or appointments.
Some women who have ADHD are able to conceal their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who help them cope with the disorganization which can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or even pay bills. It could be easier for them to deal with their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their friends and family than in the office.
Gender bias may be one of the reasons women with impulsive type ADHD aren't recognized as having the disorder. 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 often caused by or coexists with ADD, can also be the reason why a woman suffering from an impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. Patients suffering from depression may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behavior that are characteristic of ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Those impulsive behaviors can also contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness that some women with ADD suffer from. This can be exacerbated by a lack support from family members.
Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk:
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms that resemble depression. The symptoms may include feeling worthless and low, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being angry. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD may also affect your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships, your trouble with focus and attention can cause frustration and miscommunication which can lead to conflict. In school or work settings such issues could cause coworkers and colleagues to misinterpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because women are more adept at hiding their symptoms. They often change their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotional. In some cases they turn to unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly in the adolescent stage. This can also make it difficult for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptom severity can differ. Some people have milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms which interfere with their daily lives.
There are many treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, and can teach you how to manage your emotions.
In addition to that, there are a variety of medications that are 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) and Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more information about the benefits and risks of these medications. Your doctor may also have other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. For instance, you could use a planner or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes at meetings to keep your schedule organized. You may also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.