ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. One of them is creating routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They can also use bravado to ward off social isolation.
However, their coping strategies can become unsustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be inattentive which makes it more difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely to forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and work lives, which can impact their work performance. They may miss appointments, not pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. They may have difficulty reading or doing math. These issues can become more difficult in the months prior to, during or after menopausal changes.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for females and females to get diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept 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 can be perceived by others as being less acceptable especially if they are impulsive or unorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select an expert who is familiar with the disorder and understands how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also often struggle with rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection that makes it difficult for them to keep relationships going. This can lead to women with ADHD being more prone than others to engage in risky sexual behavior, have unplanned pregnancy 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 can make it hard to be accepted at work, school, or other social settings. It is also difficult for them to comprehend body language and pick up on social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD find it hard to sit still or are driven to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. It can also be difficult for women to follow through on their commitments and social activities. They may also be afflicted by emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
It is essential for women suffering from ADHD to seek help when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. Through lifestyle changes as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to decrease or completely eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's rest can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved by a good bedtime routine, limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating according to a schedule. A woman suffering from ADHD may benefit from a weighted blanket or calming music to help them fall asleep.
Depression is a common occurrence among women suffering from ADHD, even though it's not an indication of the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD, or related issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women suffering from ADD are usually low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as women and girls of the same age. Having difficulty with social interaction and a lack of ability to detect social cues can also contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder when it comes to being diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly evident during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause when hormone levels are changing.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for men and boys. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society with ADHD symptoms. This can lead depression, stress and anxiety. It can also be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which is a common occurrence in teens and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you suffer from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You're not patiently waiting to be the first person to speak in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt others or interrupt them in their conversation. You may also find it difficult to determine the social appropriateness or your actions. These actions can affect your ability to keep a job or a relationship and can make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
Women who suffer from an impulsive ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. This can lead to conflict in relationships as well as in the workplace. They may feel that others are judging them or disdaining them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They might not be able to finish tasks at work or home, or misplace their wallet or keys. add test for women may be at risk of spending money on things that don't provide value or forget important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services that can help them cope with the chaos that can cause them to be late for deadlines, forget appointments or pay bills. It could be easier for them to deal with their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than in the office.
Gender bias is among the reasons why women with impulsive-type ADHD are underdiagnosed. 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, can also be the reason why a woman suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD might not be diagnosed. Depression sufferers may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behaviors that come with ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. These impulsive behaviors may contribute to feelings of self-doubt and despair that women who suffer from ADD suffer from. This can be made worse by a lack support from loved ones.
Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk of contracting a disease:
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms that resemble depression. The symptoms may include feeling unworthy and low, having difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as being irritable. Many times, the two conditions are paired and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with other people. Your inability to focus and pay attention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings that can lead to conflict. In school or work settings, these problems can cause colleagues and coworkers to interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be harder to diagnose than in men due to women being more adept at hiding their symptoms. They alter their behavior in order to conform to social expectations and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy ways to cope, like excessive alcohol and substance use, especially in adolescence. This can make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the reason for their issues, and can delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Some suffer from milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Others have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatments available for adults with ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavior. These treatments can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a variety of medicines that can be prescribed 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 will be able to explain the benefits and dangers of these medications. They might be able to offer you other recommendations for coping with your symptoms. For example, you might try using a planner, writing down reminders, and taking notes at meetings to help you stay organized. You could also benefit by joining an women's ADHD support group.