ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. One of them is creating routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They could also employ bravado as a buffer against social isolation.
Their coping strategies may become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid conditions including anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be inattentive which makes it difficult to keep their attention on their 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 may miss appointments, or fail to pay their bills and may be susceptible to procrastination. They might have difficulty in math or reading. These problems may get worse during, before and after menopausal symptoms.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for women and girls to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are better 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 less acceptable especially if they are impulsive or unorganized.
The good news is that it's possible for women with ADHD to live full, happy and fulfilling lives. It is important to select a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and understands how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that result in problematic behavior neurocognitive psychotherapy, a combination of CBT and other therapeutic methods that aim to enhance self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavioral therapy, which assists people learn skills to help them manage emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have issues with sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to look for casual sexual partners 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 can make it hard to make friends at work, school, or other social situations. They might also find it difficult to read body language and detect social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to stay in a rut or have a desire to move forward. This can make it hard to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women might also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or keep their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or lack in self-control.
It is important for women suffering from ADHD to seek assistance when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their life and increase confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms with modifications to lifestyle, therapy and medication.
Sleeping enough can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved by following a routine for bedtime by limiting screen time at night, and eating according to a schedule. A woman with ADHD may also benefit from using a weighted blanket or calming music to help them fall asleep.
Depression is common for women suffering from ADHD although it's not a sign of the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or deeper issues like low self-esteem and relationship difficulties. Women with ADD often struggle with self-esteem since they do not perform like other women and girls their age. They have difficulty socializing and an inability to detect social signals can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder when it comes to being diagnosed with ADD. This is because doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women for signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly evident during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are changing.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than it is for men and boys. It can be challenging to manage the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can lead to stress, depression and anxiety. It can be a contributing factor to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is prevalent in teenagers and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait for your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or finish their sentences. It can also be difficult to judge the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These behaviors can impact your ability to maintain relationships or work, and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family or friends.
Women with impulsive type ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling 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. adhd in adult women test might not be able complete tasks at work or home or lose their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on things that don't bring value or lose track of important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is especially relevant to their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services that can help them deal with the disorder that can lead them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay bills. It may be easier for them to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias may be one of the reasons women who suffer from impulsive type ADHD are not 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 that a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. Patients suffering from depression might have difficulty in attempting to control the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It can be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Those impulsive symptoms can also cause feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which can be exacerbated by the lack of support from loved ones.
The following are some of the ways you can reduce your risk:
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to depression. This can include feeling depressed and worthless, having trouble in concentrating or sleeping or being angry and easily angry. Many times, the two conditions are combined and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with others. In platonic or romantic relationships your issues with attention and focus can create tension and confusion that may lead to conflict. In school or at work, these problems can cause coworkers and colleagues to interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They frequently 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, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly in the adolescent years. This can make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the reason for their problems, and may delay getting a diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptoms severity may differ. Some sufferers have milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms which interfere with their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control. They also teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a number 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, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor can tell you more about these medications along with their benefits and dangers. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions for managing your symptoms. For example, you might consider using a planner, writing down reminders, and taking notes at meetings to help you stay organized. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.