ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD develop strategies to disguise their symptoms. These include establishing a daily schedule and setting reminders on their phones. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ could become ineffective. They may also develop compulsive disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behavior such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They can also have trouble with organizing their personal and professional lives, which could affect their work performance. They may miss appointments, fail to pay bills, and are prone to procrastination. They might have difficulty in reading or with math. These problems may get worse during, before and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to recognize 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). Those behaviors can be perceived as unsocially acceptable particularly if they're unorganized or impulsive.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to live full, happy and fulfilled lives. However, attention deficit disorder in women to find a provider who is well-versed in the disorder and understands how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavior therapy, which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can lead to problematic behaviors Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapies that are designed to improve self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavioral therapy, which helps patients develop the skills needed to help manage their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also often struggle with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection which makes it harder to keep relationships. This can lead to women with ADHD being more likely than other people to engage in sexually risky behaviors, get pregnant without planning 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 can make it hard to be accepted at school, work or in other social settings. They may be unable to read bodylanguage and detect social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often find it difficult to wait for something or feel the urgent need to complete the task. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women might also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or follow through with their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
It is important for women suffering from ADHD to seek assistance when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. With lifestyle changes and medication, it is possible to reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also help reduce ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime and a slowed down screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all aid in improving sleeping habits. A woman with ADHD may benefit from a weighted blanket or calming music to help them sleep.
Depression is a common occurrence among women with ADHD, even though it's not a sign of the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or other underlying issues such as low self-esteem and relationship difficulties. Women suffering from ADD tend to be low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as girls and women similar to them. Having difficulty with social interaction and being unable to recognize social cues can also contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADD. This is due to the fact that doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as symptoms that are more typical of bipolar disorder. adhd traits in women is especially relevant during pregnancy and puberty as well as during perimenopause or menopause, when hormones are changing.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than for boys and men. Additionally the society has a lot of expectations for women that can be difficult to manage with symptoms of ADHD. This can lead depression, stress and anxiety. It could be a contributing factor to the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which is common in teens and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you have the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak during a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or finish sentences of other people. You are also unable to judge the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep a job or a relationship and they can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
adhd in women signs with hyperactive ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. This can cause conflicts in relationships and at in the workplace. They may feel like others are judging them or are disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or focus. They may not be able to finish tasks at work or home or lose their wallet or keys. They may be at risk of spending money on things that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD may conceal their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They might employ assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the disorder that may cause them to forget appointments, pay bills, or miss deadlines. It could be easier for them to manage their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than in the office.
Gender bias is a reason why 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 why women with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. Patients suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behavior that come with ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. These impulsive symptoms may cause feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which may be exacerbated by the lack of support from loved ones.
Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk:
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These symptoms can include feeling worthless and low as well as difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as being angry. In many cases, the two disorders are combined and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. Your inability to concentrate and pay attention can cause frustrations and miscommunications, which may lead you to conflict. These problems can lead to coworkers or colleagues misinterpreting your behaviour in school or work settings as lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to identify than males because women are more adept in hiding their symptoms. They frequently alter their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotional. In some instances they turn to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol and substance use particularly during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems, and may delay getting a correct diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptoms severity can differ. Some people experience milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily life.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults with ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. These therapies can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control, and can help you manage your emotions.
Additionally there are a myriad of drugs that 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 will be able to tell you more about these medications as well as their benefits and risks. They may also be able to give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay on top of things or make notes during meetings and make reminders. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.