ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD come up with strategies to disguise their symptoms. These may include building an everyday schedule and setting reminders on their phones. They may also use bravado to ward off social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms could become unsustainable. They may also experience compulsive disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be inattentive, which makes it harder for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty managing their personal and professional lives, which can impact their performance at work. They may miss appointments, not pay bills or procrastinate. They may have difficulty in reading or with math. These issues can become more difficult in the months prior to, during or after menopausal transition.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for women and girls 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 are often viewed by others as unacceptable particularly if they are impulsive and unorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to live happy, full and satisfying lives. It is important to select a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and knows how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD typically have issues with rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This means that they are more likely to seek out romantic partners on a casual basis and engage in sexually risky behavior 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 makes it difficult for them to fit in with others at work, at school or in other social environments. adhd in women symptoms can also be difficult for them to read body language and understand social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel the urgent need to complete the task. This makes it difficult to finish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the home or paying the bills. It may also be challenging for women to follow through on their commitments as well as social interactions. Women can also have emotional outbursts, or be lacking of self-control.
It is essential for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and boost their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms through lifestyle changes treatment, therapy and medications.
A good night's sleep can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved with a good bedtime routine by limiting screen time at night and eating according to an established schedule. Women suffering from ADHD may benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to aid in their sleep.
Depression is common for women suffering from ADHD however, it's not a symptom of the condition. It could be the result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or due to root issues, such as low self-esteem, poor work performance and difficulty in relationships. Women with ADD tend to be insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform well as girls and women of the same age. Inability to read social cues and difficulties with social interactions can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be harder for women to be diagnosed with ADD than men. This is due to the fact that doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially evident during puberty, pregnancy and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones are undergoing changes.
Women are also able to hide their symptoms better than men or boys. Additionally, society has a lot of expectations for women, which can be stressful when juggling with symptoms of ADHD. This can lead stress, depression 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 with ADHD.
Impulsive
If you suffer from impulsive-type ADHD symptoms, you're quick to act without thinking. You're not able to wait for your turn to speak in conversations, and you're more likely to interrupt or end other people's sentences. You also have difficulty judging the appropriateness of your social actions. These actions can impact your ability to maintain relationships or even a job, and can make it hard to meet the expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women with hyperactive ADHD struggle with managing their emotions. This can cause conflicts in relationships and at the workplace. They may feel like others are judging them or are disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to finish tasks at work or at home or even lose their wallet or keys. They could be prone to spending money on things that do not bring value or forget important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They might have secretaries, assistants or cleaning services to help them cope with the disorganization that can cause them to miss appointments, forget to pay bills, or miss deadlines. It might be easier for them to manage their impulse-driven ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than in 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.
Depression, which is typically caused by or is co-exists with ADD It could also be a reason for why a woman suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD might not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior associated with ADD can be hard for depression sufferers to manage, and it can be difficult to treat the depression while struggling with the impulsive behavior. These impulsive symptoms may contribute to the feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which may be exacerbated by a lack of support from loved ones.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women suffering from ADHD might exhibit symptoms that are similar to those that are seen in depression. The symptoms may include feeling depressed and worthless as well as difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being irritable. Doctors often combine the two disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. In romantic or platonic partnerships your issues with focus and attention can cause frustration and miscommunication which can lead to conflict. These problems can lead to colleagues or coworkers thinking that your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior in order to conform to social expectations and avoid being seen as fragile or emotionally unstable. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy methods to cope, like excessive alcohol and substance use, especially in the adolescent years. This can also make it difficult for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their problems and delay obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptoms severity may differ. Some people experience milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Others have severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as teach you to manage your emotions.
In addition to that, there are a variety 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, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor will provide more information about the advantages and risks of these medications. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay on top of things, or take notes during meetings and write down reminders. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.