ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. These include establishing a daily schedule and setting reminders on their phones. They can also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms can become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be inattentive, meaning they have a difficult time staying focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They may also have difficulties managing their work and personal lives, which can hinder their performance at work. They may miss appointments, not pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. They may have trouble reading or doing math. These issues can become more difficult in the months prior to, during or after menopause.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for females and females to get 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). signs and symptoms of adhd in women are often viewed as less socially acceptable particularly if they're unorganized or impulsive.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, full and satisfying lives. However, it's important to find a doctor who is well-versed in the disorder and can explain the way it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that result in problematic behavior Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is which is a combination of CBT and other therapeutic practices that aim to improve self-regulation and impulse control; and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people learn skills to assist them in managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also often 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 means that they are more likely to pursue romantic partners on a casual basis, engage in sexually risky behavior or even have unplanned pregnancy.
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 be a part of a group at school, at work or in other social settings. They might also find it difficult to read bodylanguage and detect social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel a urgent need to complete the task. This can make it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or follow through with their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts, or be lacking of self-control.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is essential to seek out help. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms through changes in lifestyle treatment, therapy and medications.
Sleeping enough can help reduce ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a slowed down screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. A person suffering from ADHD can also benefit from using a weighted blanket or calming music to help them sleep.
Depression, although not an indicator of ADHD, is common in women who suffer from the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or deeper issues like low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem because they aren't performing as well as other women and girls their age. Having difficulty with social interaction and being unable to pick up on social cues can also contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy and puberty, as well as during perimenopause or menopause, when hormones are changing.
Women are also able to hide their symptoms easier than boys or men. It can be difficult to cope with the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can lead stress, depression, and anxiety. It could also contribute to the development non-suicidal-self-injury which is common among young women and teens who have ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly 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 may also be unable to judge the appropriateness of your social actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to maintain the relationship or job you have and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, friends and coworkers.
Women with impulsive type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They might feel that other people are criticizing or disrespecting them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They may not be able to complete tasks at work or at home or even lose their wallet or keys. They might be prone to spending money on items that don't bring value or forget important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is particularly true in their professional lives. They might employ assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the disorder that may make them miss appointments, forget to pay bills, or miss deadlines. It might be easier for them to deal with their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their friends and family than in the office.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons women with the 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 usually caused by or coexists alongside ADD, can also be one of the reasons why a woman with an impulsive type ADHD may not be diagnosed. People suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. Impulsive behavior can contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt and despair that women who suffer from ADD experience. This can be exacerbated by the lack of support from family members.
The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk of contracting a disease:
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to depression. These symptoms can include feeling worthless and low and having trouble in concentrating or sleeping, and being angry. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with other people. Your inability to focus and pay attention can cause frustrations and miscommunications which can lead you to conflict. In school or work settings These issues can make colleagues and coworkers misinterpret your behavior as hostility, disinterest, or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify depression and ADHD. They frequently alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy ways to cope, like excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs, especially in the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their problems and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from one person to another, even within the same family. Some sufferers have milder symptoms, and are known as high-functioning ADHD. Others have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
There are a variety of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These treatments can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
In addition 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 are also available such as atomoxetine (Strattera) viloxazine (Qelbree) as well as clonidine (Kapvay), and Guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can tell you more about the benefits and risks of these medications. They may also be able to give you other recommendations for coping with your symptoms. For example, you might consider using an organizer or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.