ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. These may include building an agenda for the day and setting reminders for phone calls. They can also make use of bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms may become ineffective. They could also develop compulsive disorders, such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their work and are more likely to forget things. They can also have trouble organizing their personal and professional lives, which can impact their work performance. They might miss appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are susceptible to procrastination. They may have difficulty understanding or completing math. These problems can get worse prior to, during and after menopausal transition.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for girls and women to get diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept 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 are often viewed by others as less acceptable particularly if they are impulsive and chaotic.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, full and satisfying lives. It's important to choose an expert who is familiar with the disorder and how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can result in problematic behavior; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapeutic methods that aim to improve impulse control and self-regulation; and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people learn skills to help them manage emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also often struggle with rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection that makes it difficult to keep relationships. This can result in women who suffer from ADHD being more likely than other women 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 other social situations. It can also be difficult for them to read body language and pick up on social signals.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to wait or are driven to move forward. This can make it hard to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or follow through with their commitments. 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 help improve their lives and boost their confidence and self-esteem. With changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's rest can reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved through following a routine for bedtime by limiting screen time at night and eating according to a schedule. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women suffering from ADHD although it's not a sign of the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or underlying issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem as they don't perform like other girls and women their older. They have difficulty socializing and being unable to detect social cues can also contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for men. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy and puberty, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transition when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than it is for boys and men. In addition, society has a lot of expectations for women that can be stressful when juggling with the symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It could also play a role in self-injury that is not suicide-related, which is common among young women and teens with ADHD.
Impulsive
If you're suffering from impulsive type ADHD symptoms, you're quick to act without thinking. You're not patiently waiting to be the first person to speak in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt other people or finish their sentences. It can also be difficult to determine the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep the relationship or job you have and make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
Women who suffer from impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are judging or ignoring them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They might be unable to finish tasks at work or at home or even lose their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on things that don't bring value or forget important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD may conceal their symptoms. This is especially relevant to their professional lives. They may have 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 may be easier for them to manage their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at 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 women with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behaviors that come with ADD. It can be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. These impulsive symptoms may cause feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which can be compounded by an absence of support from loved ones.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk:
Women who suffer from ADHD can have symptoms similar to those seen in depression. This can include feeling depressed and worthless, having trouble getting enough sleep or concentrating or being anxious and easily angered. Doctors often combine the two disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships your issues with attention and focus could cause frustration and miscommunication which can lead to conflict. These issues can result in coworkers or colleagues thinking that your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
adhd symptoms women and ADHD in women can be more difficult to identify than men due to women being more adept at masking their symptoms. They change their behavior in order to meet social expectations and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy methods of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug use particularly during the adolescent years. This can also make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is causing their issues and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity may differ. Some sufferers have milder symptoms, which are referred to as 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, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and control of impulses and also teach you how to manage your emotions.
In addition there are a myriad of medications that are used to 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 be able to tell you more about these drugs as well as their benefits and risks. They might also give you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay on top of things, or take notes during meetings and make reminders. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.