ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms. Some of these include creating routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They could also employ bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
Their coping strategies may not be sustainable. They may also experience compulsive disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it more difficult for them to remain focused on tasks and are more likely to forget things. They can also have trouble with organizing their professional and personal lives, which could affect their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay their bills or delay their work. They may have difficulty in reading or with math. These problems may get worse when, prior to and after menopausal changes.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for women and girls 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 may be viewed by others as less acceptable especially if they are impulsive or disorganized.
It is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, fulfilled and full lives. But it's crucial to find a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and can explain the way it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT together with other therapies to improve impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy can help individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often plagued with sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis or 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 work, at school or in other social settings. It can also be challenging for them to read body language and understand social cues.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD are unable to sit still or are driven to move forward. This can make it difficult for them to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. Women might also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or keep their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or a lack in self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek assistance. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. With changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's sleep can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime and a slowed down screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all aid in improving sleeping habits. Women with ADHD might also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression, while not an indicator of ADHD, is common in women with the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effect of untreated ADD or other underlying issues such as low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD often struggle with self-esteem since they don't perform in the same way as other women and girls their older. Inability to read social cues and difficulty in social interactions may cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially relevant during pregnancy and puberty as well as during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for men and boys. In addition there are many expectations for women, which can be difficult to manage with the symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression, and anxiety. It could also contribute to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is prevalent in teenagers and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you suffer from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait to get your turn in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt other people or end their sentences. You also have difficulty judging the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep relationships or work and can make it hard to live up to expectations of family or friends.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are unkind or apathetic because they can't keep up or focus. They may be unable to finish tasks at the office or at home or even lose their keys or wallet. They could be at risk of spending money on things that are not valuable or forget important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD can conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They might employ assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to forget appointments, pay bills or miss deadlines. They might find it easier to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias is a reason why women suffering from impulsive-type ADHD aren't 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.
Depression, which is often caused by or coexists with ADD It could also be one of the reasons why a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD might not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior that comes with ADD can be difficult for people suffering from depression to control, and it's difficult to manage depression when being afflicted by the impulsive behavior. Those impulsive behaviors can also contribute to feelings of self-doubt and despair that some women with ADD feel. This can be made worse due to a lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms similar to depression. They may feel depressed and depressed, having difficulty in concentrating or sleeping or being angry and easily annoyed. Doctors often combine both disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. In adhd in women signs or romantic relationships your issues with attention and focus can cause frustration and miscommunication that can cause conflict. In school or at work These issues can cause colleagues and coworkers to interpret your behavior as hostility, disinterest, or lack of commitment.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior to meet social expectations and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some cases, they resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug use particularly during the adolescent years. This makes it difficult for them to realize that their ADHD is the cause of their issues, and can delay getting a diagnosis.
Symptom severity can differ from individual to individual even within the same family. Certain people have milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Others have severe symptoms that affect their lives.
There are a variety of treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a number medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). There are also non-stimulants available such as atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree) and Clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can explain the benefits and dangers of these drugs. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to keep track of your schedule or make notes during meetings and make reminders. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.