ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Some of these include establishing routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They can also make use of bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms may not be sustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders like depression, anxiety, and self-harming behavior like 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 more likely to forget things. They also may have issues organizing their personal and professional lives, which can impact their performance at work. They may miss appointments, fail to pay bills or procrastinate. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen prior to, during and after menopausal transition.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are better 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 unacceptable, especially if impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilled lives. It is essential to select a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT together with other therapies to improve self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy can help people learn skills for managing emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection that makes it difficult for them to keep relationships going. This could mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis, engage in sexually risky behaviors 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 can make it difficult to fit in at work, school or other social situations. It can also be difficult for them to comprehend body language and understand social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel a pressing need to complete the task. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. It can also be difficult for women to follow through on their commitments and social interactions. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and inability to control their emotions.
It is crucial for women with ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. With lifestyle changes, medication and therapy it is possible to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's rest can reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep 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 might also benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women with ADHD, even though it's not a sign of the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or because of the root causes like low self-esteem, poor work performance and difficulty in relationships. Women suffering from ADD tend to be lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform well as girls and women who are the same age. Inability to read social signals and have difficulty in social interactions may contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher when it comes to being diagnosed with ADD. This is due to the fact that doctors often misinterpret the symptoms of ADD in women as signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially relevant during pregnancy and puberty as well as during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than for boys and men. It can be difficult to balance the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. It may also contribute to the development non-suicidal-self-injury, which is common among young women and teens who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
If you suffer from impulsive-type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You're not patiently waiting for your turn in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt others or interrupt them in their conversation. You might also find it difficult to judge the appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These behaviors can impact your ability to sustain a relationship or a job and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family or friends.
Women suffering from an impulsive ADHD have a hard time managing their emotions. This can lead to conflicts in relationships and at the workplace. They might feel that other people are criticizing or disrespecting them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They may be unable to finish their work at work or at home or lose their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on items that don't add value or they might lose track of important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can conceal their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who can help them deal with the disorganization which can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or even pay bills. They might find it easier to cope with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias is a reason that 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.
signs of add in adult women , which is usually caused by or coexists alongside ADD It could also be the reason for why a woman suffering from impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior associated with ADD can be difficult for people suffering from depression to manage, and it can be difficult to treat the depression while dealing with an impulsive personality. Those impulsive symptoms can also 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.
The following are some ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to depression. These can include feeling low and depressed, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, or being irritable and easily angry. Doctors often combine both disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD may also affect your relationships. In romantic or platonic partnerships your struggles with attention and focus could cause frustration and miscommunication that can cause conflict. These issues can result in colleagues or coworkers misinterpreting your behaviour in school or work settings as a lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women are harder to diagnose than in men because women are better at hiding their symptoms. They tend to alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotional. In some cases they turn to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly during adolescence. This can also make it hard for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their issues and delay obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Certain people have milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some have severe symptoms that hinder their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control and teach you how to manage your emotions.
Additionally, there are a number of drugs that treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). There are also non-stimulants available like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay), and Guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor will be able to tell you more about these medications, including their advantages and potential risks. They might be able to offer you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay on top of things, or take notes during meetings and record reminders. You could also benefit by joining an women's ADHD support group.