5 Must-Know ADHD Symptoms For Women Practices You Need To Know For 2024
ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. However, these symptoms can be less evident than those of men and boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Women can also suffer from symptoms that are aggravated by hormonal fluctuations, like the ones that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause (4 years prior to menopausal). ADHD treatment that incorporates lifestyle and medication can improve relationships and prepare people for success at work and at home.
Inattentiveness
People with inattentive ADHD are not able to keep up with their daily demands. They may forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash cans and be unable to keep up with conversations. They might leave work-related documents on their desks, fail to pick up laundry or empty trash cans and struggle to keep pace in conversations. Their homes are often messy and not cleaned. They're prone to making careless errors that can have costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty dealing with social rejection and academic underachievement as compared to their peers. They may develop coping strategies that are not effective, like self-harming behavior and an inability to sustain friendships or get support from peers which can cause emotional distress and low mood. They might attempt to overcome these issues with a heightened confidence that can result in high-risk actions like alcohol or drug consumption, prostitution or involvement in groups.
For adults, it may be difficult to identify ADHD since symptoms can change as time. It is essential to have an extensive mental and medical evaluation so a qualified healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. They'll look at the person's behavior in the past and now as well as childhood experiences. They'll also be looking for any conditions that could cause similar symptoms. adhd signs in adults include anxiety and stress, mineral deficiencies hearing or vision issues, cognitive degeneration, sleep disorders as well as allergies, learning disabilities and certain medications.
Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include changes in lifestyle, psychotherapy and medications. The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants such as dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate. They help focus and reduce impulses. Nonstimulants such as atomoxetine or Clonidine may be used when stimulants do not work or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattentive ADHD develop a better understanding of their environment and develop coping techniques that can reduce the symptoms. They can also benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a type of therapy that teaches you how to manage emotions and how to reframe negative thoughts. Adults can also benefit from the services of a life coach or ADHD Coach who can assist them to set up an effective routine and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD might find it difficult to be understood and not realize the impact of their symptoms on their lives. They may have a hard to stay focused or organized, which could lead to difficulties at school and work and in their private lives. They are more likely to suffer from other conditions such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities could have a direct effect on their symptoms, and how they manage their symptoms.
Women and girls with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships, because of the way their symptoms affect them socially. This can make it more difficult for them to seek help and treatment, since they may be less likely to receive referrals by teachers or parents. The rating scales that are used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior. Women also have the ability to hide their symptoms, which could result in them being undiagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that adhd symptoms can fluctuate from day to day. This is especially relevant when there are hormonal changes, such as menstrual cycles or pregnancy. In addition, hormones have an effect on the function of certain parts of the brain, including executive functions including sleep, verbal memory, and concentration.
For instance, estrogen levels decrease after ovulation and during the middle of menstrual cycles, while progesterone rises. This can cause ADHD symptoms in a dramatic way.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD might be more impulsive, impatient and prone to conflict in their relationships. They are at greater risk of engaging in sexual interactions with partners who they aren't certain about, and have difficulties asserting their desires. They can also be at risk of being victims of sexual assault and domestic violence because they may not have a means of contraception.
Girls and women with adhd may find effective coping techniques to help manage symptoms. adhd signs in adults can also benefit from therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help them learn how to better understand their thoughts and feelings and replace bad habits to healthier ones. In some instances doctors may suggest couples counseling or family therapy to tackle the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD may face in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD might be more likely to have trouble controlling their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, difficulties coping with criticism or stress and an sensitivity to sexual assaults and other forms of victimization. They are also more likely to suffer from psychosexual problems, including sexual promiscuity and a higher risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted illnesses. Females with ADHD are more likely to seek help from an adult.
Women and girls who suffer from ADHD may exhibit the same aggressive behaviors that boys and men. They can be constantly frenzied or agitated and in motion. They may also be prone to excessive talking and making rapid decisions. These issues can result in them becoming abrasive, unkind and engaging in risky behaviors. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also susceptible to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI), which can include cutting, burning, or scratching. This is especially true in adolescence.
Many women and girls with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, even though they may be unable to function at school or at work. This can make them appear more conscientious or perfectionists. This can prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have trouble staying on task. Women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies like drinking alcohol or drugs to deal with their issues.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still biased towards male behavior and could lead to under-diagnosis of women or girls. The symptoms may not be recognized as being associated with ADHD and can be internalized, resulting into feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For teenagers and adults suffering from ADHD, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables whole grains, healthy fats and protein can improve attention and mood. Regular exercise can improve concentration and focus and release feel-good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress and depression among people with the disorder. A registered dietitian can assist you to develop a plan to meet your individual needs.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an everyday human emotion, but when it gets out of control and impacts your daily activities, you may have an anxiety disorder. Its symptoms include unease, distress and a fear of the unknown in normal or everyday situations. They are present even when there is no reason to be worried and can cause physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or a fast heartbeat. Anxiety disorders affect twice as many women as men and can affect work and relationships.
The gender of your partner can also impact the way you manage your ADHD and anxiety. Many women with both ADHD and anxiety suffer from mood swings that may be mistaken by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as broken relationships or job opportunities that are not fulfilling. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep which can make your anxiety symptoms worse.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life depending on your gender, age, and hormone levels. If you're an adult woman suffering from ADHD the symptoms can change throughout the month or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more apparent during menstrual cycles, or when you're under stress such as the breakup of a relationship or job loss major life events.
To lessen the effects of ADHD and anxiety, try to fall asleep at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. Try listening to calming music or meditate prior to going to bed, and limit screen time to enhance your quality of sleep. Eating healthfully can also reduce anxiety and ADHD symptoms, so consider cutting out foods that trigger sensitivities or allergies. Consume lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and protein that is lean. Exercise can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Try to exercise 30 minutes each day or employ an exercise light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.