ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. This could include creating an agenda for the day and setting reminders for phone calls. They may also use bravado to ward off social isolation.
However, their coping strategies may become ineffective. They may also develop comorbid disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be inattentive which makes it difficult for them to remain focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have difficulty with organizing their professional and personal lives, which could affect their performance at work. add women might not attend appointments, not pay their bills or procrastinate. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen in the months prior to, during or after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it more difficult to recognize 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). Those behaviors can be perceived as unsocially acceptable particularly if they're unorganized or impulsive.
It is possible for women with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilled lives. But it's crucial to find a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and knows how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT along with other therapeutic methods to enhance impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy can help people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also often struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection which makes it harder for them to maintain relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to pursue intimate partners and engage in risky sexual behaviors 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 hard to make friends at school, work or in other social settings. It can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and recognize social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel a urgent need to complete the task. This can make it difficult for them to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or keep their commitments. Women can also have emotional outbursts or lack in self-control.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is essential that they seek help. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to lessen or eliminate symptoms with lifestyle changes, therapy and medication.
Getting enough sleep can also help reduce ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime, limiting screen time at night, and eating on a regular basis can all aid in improving sleeping habits. Women who suffer from ADHD could also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression, though not a symptom of ADHD, is common in women who have the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or other deeper issues like low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women suffering from ADD tend to be lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as women and girls who are the same age. Inability to discern social cues and difficulty in social interactions may result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADD. This is because doctors often misinterpret the symptoms of ADD in women for signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormone levels are changing.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than it is for males and males. It can be challenging to balance the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It could be a contributing factor to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is prevalent in teenagers and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait for your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or interrupt them in their conversation. You may also be unable to judge the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to maintain a relationship or a job and can make it difficult to meet the expectations from family, friends and colleagues.
Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. This can cause conflicts in relationships and at in the workplace. They might feel that people are unkind or apathetic because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to complete tasks at home or at work or lose their keys or wallet. They might be prone to spending money on items that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to forget appointments, not pay bills or fail to meet deadlines. They may be able to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias is a reason 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.
Depression, which is usually caused by or coexists with ADD is also one of the reasons for why a woman suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD might not be diagnosed. Depression sufferers may have difficulty attempting to control the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. These impulsive behaviors may contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be exacerbated by a lack support from loved ones.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk:
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to depression. These can include feeling low and worthless, having trouble getting enough sleep or concentrating or being angry and easily angry. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. In romantic or platonic partnerships, your trouble with focus and attention can cause frustration and miscommunication that can cause conflict. In work or school settings such issues could cause coworkers and colleagues to interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women are harder to diagnose than in males because women are more adept at masking their symptoms. They often change their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotional. In some instances they turn to unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs particularly during the adolescent stage. This can make it hard for them to recognize that their ADHD is causing their problems and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from one person to another, even within the same family. Certain people experience milder symptoms, which are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
There are several treatment options for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
Additionally to that, there are a variety of medications 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, viloxazine, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor can explain the benefits and risks of these drugs. They may also give you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay organized, or take notes during meetings and make reminders. You could also benefit by joining a women's ADHD support group.