ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. Some of these include creating routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
Their coping strategies may become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it difficult to keep their attention on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and professional lives, which could impact their work performance. They might miss appointments, not pay bills or put off paying bills. They might have trouble reading or doing math. These problems can worsen during, before and after menopause.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for females and females to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are better in hiding 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 unacceptable particularly if they are impulsive and disorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilled lives. It's important to choose a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and knows how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people learn skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women suffering from ADHD are often plagued with rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether it is real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them maintain relationships. This can result in women with ADHD being more prone than others to engage in sexually risky behavior, have unplanned pregnancy or seek out 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 school, work or in other social settings. They may also find it difficult to understand body language and pick up social signals.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD are unable to stay in a rut or feel the need to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. adhd in women treatment can be a challenge for women to follow through on their commitments and social activities. Women can also have emotional outbursts or lack of self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is crucial that they seek help. Treatment can improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms with changes in lifestyle treatment, therapy and medications.
A good night's sleep can reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved with following a routine for bedtime and limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating on a schedule. Women with ADHD might also benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to aid in their sleep.
Depression, while not an indication of ADHD is a common occurrence in women with the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or other underlying issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD often struggle with self-esteem because they aren't performing like women of similar age. Being unable to interact with others and a lack of ability to detect social signals can contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transition as hormones change.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for boys and men. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can cause depression, stress and anxiety. It could also contribute to the development non-suicidal-self-injury which is common among teens and young women who have ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to 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 keep relationships or even a job and make it difficult to live up to expectations from family or friends.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are critical or disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to complete tasks at home or at work or even lose their wallet or keys. They might be inclined to spending money on items that aren't worth the money or they could forget important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay bills. They may find it easier to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons women with impulsive type ADHD aren't recognized as having the disorder. 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 that women with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. Patients suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. These impulsive behaviors may cause feelings of self-doubt and despair that women who suffer from ADD suffer from. This can be exacerbated by the lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These can include feeling low and worthless, having trouble in concentrating or sleeping or being anxious and easily annoyed. In many cases, the two conditions are combined and treated together by a doctor. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. Your inability to focus and pay attention can lead to frustrations and miscommunications that can lead to conflicts. In school or at work such issues could make colleagues and coworkers interpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to identify depression and ADHD. They tend to alter their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotional. In some cases they turn to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive drinking and drug use especially during the adolescent years. This could make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the cause of their problems, and may delay getting a correct diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity may differ. Some people experience milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
There are many treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, and can help you manage your emotions.
There are also a number 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 are also available like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more about these medications along with their advantages and potential risks. They might also be able to give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. For instance, you can try using an organizer or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.