ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. These may include building an agenda for the day and setting reminders for phone calls. They may also use bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms may become ineffective. They could also develop comorbid conditions including mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women with ADHD are more likely to be inattentive which means they are more difficult to stay focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They also may have issues managing their professional and personal lives, which may affect their work performance. They might miss appointments, not pay their bills or put off paying bills. They may have difficulty understanding or completing math. These problems may get worse during, before and after menopausal symptoms.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose ADHD. 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 could be viewed as being less acceptable to society particularly if they're unorganized or impulsive.
The good news is that it's possible for women suffering from ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is important to find a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and can explain the way it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to problematic behaviors; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic methods that aim to enhance self-regulation and impulse control; and dialectical behavior therapy, which assists individuals develop skills that help them manage emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is 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 others to engage in risky sexual behaviors, get pregnant without planning or look for 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 makes it difficult for them to fit in with others 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 with ADHD are unable to wait or are driven to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. Women may also find it difficult to keep their social commitments or keep their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and a inability to control their emotions.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important that they seek help. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and boost self-esteem and confidence. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms by making lifestyle changes, therapy and medication.
Getting enough sleep can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine, limiting the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all aid in improving sleeping habits. A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from using a weighted blanket or calming music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, while not an indication of ADHD is a common occurrence in women with the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD, or related issues such as low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD are usually insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform well as girls and women who are the same age. Inability to recognize social cues and difficulties with social interactions can also result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than it is for men. This is due to the fact that doctors often misinterpret the symptoms of ADD in women as signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially evident during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than it is for boys and men. It can be difficult to manage the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can lead depression, stress and anxiety. It can also contribute to the development non-suicidal-self-injury which is common among teens and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you suffer from the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You're not able to wait for your turn to speak in the course of a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt or end other people's sentences. You may also find it difficult to judge the appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These behaviors can affect your ability to maintain a job or a relationship and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, friends and coworkers.
Women with impulsive type ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are unkind or apathetic because they're unable to keep pace or focus. They might be unable to finish their work at the office or at home or lose their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on items that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD can conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who can help them cope with the disorganization which can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay their bills. It might 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 why women suffering 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 a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which often coexists with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD is often difficult for those suffering from depression to manage, and it can be difficult to treat the depression while being afflicted by an impulsive personality. The impulsive behavior can cause feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that women suffering from ADD have, which can be exacerbated by a lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. This can include feeling depressed and worthless, having trouble sleeping or concentrating or being angry and easily angered. A lot of times, these two conditions are combined and treated by a physician. Depression and ADD may also affect your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships your issues with attention and focus could cause frustration and miscommunication that may lead to conflict. In school or work settings, these problems can cause colleagues and coworkers to think that your behavior is a sign of hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to diagnose than men due to women being more adept at hiding their symptoms. They alter their behavior in order to comply with social norms and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some cases they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, especially during the adolescent years. This makes it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the reason for their problems, and may delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within adhd in women checklist , symptom severity can vary. Some people have milder symptoms, and are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. These therapies can improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as teach you to manage your emotions.
Additionally to that, there are a variety of drugs that treat ADHD in 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 will be able to tell you more about these medications, including their benefits and risks. They might be able to offer you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. For instance, you could consider using a planner, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay organized. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.