Blog entry by Eula Kethel
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms are less evident than the men and boys and can result in underdiagnosis or incorrect diagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms aggravated by hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause (the four years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that incorporates medication and lifestyle strategies can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
Everyone loses their keys and fails to complete a task occasionally, but people with inattention adhd and adults symptoms aren't able to keep their way to the things they require for everyday life. They might leave work documents on a desk and fail to clean up garbage or empty trash bins, and have trouble keeping pace during conversations. Their homes are often messy and unwashed. They're more prone to making mistakes that can result in costly consequences.
Inattentive ADHD in females is associated with a greater difficulty in coping with social rejection and academic underachievement compared to their peers. They might develop dysfunctional coping strategies such as self-harming behaviour and inability to sustain friendships or access peer support that can cause depression and emotional distress. They may compensate for these difficulties with a strong sense bravado which can lead to high-risk activities like alcohol or drug prostitution, or involvement in groups.
Adults can have difficulty diagnosing ADHD, as symptoms can change as time passes. It is important to undergo a complete mental and medical health evaluation to ensure that a trained health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, including childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including anxiety and stress, mineral deficiency, hearing and vision issues, sleep disorders cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.
Adults who suffer from inattentional ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications and medications. Stimulants like dextroamphetamine as well as methylphenidate are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication because they enhance concentration and decrease impulsivity. Nonstimulants, like Clonidine and atomoxetine are used when stimulants do not help or cause side effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD modify their environment and develop coping strategies to reduce their symptoms. They can benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which helps them modify negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can help them create the right routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time feeling understood, and they may struggle to comprehend the impact that their symptoms affect their lives. They may have difficulty to stay focused or organized, which can cause problems at work and school and in their personal lives. They are more likely to be suffering from other conditions such as depression or anxiety. These comorbidities could influence their symptoms, and how they manage them.
Due to the manner in which ADHD affects girls and women, they may develop low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. It may also be more difficult for them to access treatment because they are less likely to receive a referral from their teachers or parents. In addition, the rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behaviors. Many women hide their symptoms which can cause them to not be diagnosed and not being treated.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of adhd differ from day to day particularly during hormonal changes such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Additionally, hormones have a direct impact on the function of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions, sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
Progesterone increases after ovulation, and estrogen decreases during the middle of your menstrual cycle. This causes ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Young women and girls with ADHD are more aggressive and impatient, which can lead to more conflict in their relationships. They are at a greater risk of engaging in sexual activity with partners they aren't sure about, and have difficulties asserting their needs. They could also be more at risk of being a victim of sexual abuse or domestic violence due to the fact that they lack contraception.
Women and girls with adhd might find effective strategies for coping that can help them manage their symptoms. They can also benefit from undergoing therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy to improve their understanding and control of their thoughts and emotions and to replace unhealthy patterns of behavior with healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy in order to address the difficulties that girls and women with ADHD face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD may be more likely to have trouble managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, issues in coping with stress or criticism and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other types of victimization. They could also be more likely to develop psychosexual issues, such as sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek out adult help.
Girls and women who have ADHD might exhibit the same behavior patterns that males and females. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and moving. They can also talk a lot and ADHD Symptoms For Women make rapid decisions. These problems can also cause them to be rude, unkind, and engaging in risky behaviours. Some girls and women with ADHD are also susceptible to self-harming non-suicidal (NSSI), which can include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially true during adolescence.
While these symptoms can make it hard to function in the workplace or school, many women and girls with ADHD are adept at masked them. This can make them seem more meticulous or a perfectionist, and it can prevent people from noticing that they have trouble staying focused or easily distracted. Women who suffer from minor adhd symptoms also develop unhealthy coping strategies, such as using alcohol or drugs to mask their problems.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD tend to be biased towards male behavior and could result in under-diagnosis of girls or women. The symptoms might not be recognized as connected to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
A diet high in vegetables and fruits, whole grains and healthy fats can boost concentration and mood for teens and ADHD Symptoms For Women adults with adhd symptoms in adults nhs. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration as well as release feel good neurotransmitters, which can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A registered dietitian can help develop a plan to meet your specific needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it gets out of control, and interferes with your daily life you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. The symptoms include anxiety, discontent, and excessive fright in normal or routine situations. They persist even when there's no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women as males, and they can impact the work environment and personal relationships.
Gender can also play a role in how your ADHD and anxiety are managed. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be misinterpreted by others as being "overly emotional." This can lead to social problems like broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. Mood swings can also make it difficult to get enough sleep, which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more apparent at certain times in your life depending on your gender, age, and hormone levels. For instance, if you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month or during menopausal and pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can also be more noticeable when menstruating, or when you're under stress, such as the breakup of a relationship or job loss major life events.
To help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time every night and set a regular time to wake up. Try listening to calming music or meditation before you go to bed, and limit screen time to increase your sleep quality. Healthy eating can help reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try eliminating foods that cause sensitivities or allergies. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and protein that is lean. Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try exercising for 30 minutes every day or use a light therapy box to increase exposure to natural sunlight.