ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Some of these include establishing a daily routine and setting up phone reminders. They could also resort to bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms could become ineffective. They could also develop comorbid disorders such as depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be inattentive and have a harder time staying focused and are more likely to forget things. They also may have issues managing their professional and personal lives, which could affect their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, or fail to pay bills and can be prone to procrastination. They may have trouble reading or doing math. These issues can get worse when, prior to and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that girls and women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it harder to identify 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 are often viewed by others as unacceptable, especially if impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women with ADHD to live full, happy and fulfilled lives. It is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disorder and knows how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT together with other therapies to improve impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people learn skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD often have a problem with rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them maintain relationships. This could mean that they are more likely to seek out romantic partners on a casual basis and engage in sexually risky behavior or have unplanned pregnancies.
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 to be accepted at work, school, or other social situations. It is also difficult for them to read body language and understand social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to sit still or are driven to move forward. This can make it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women may also find it difficult to keep their social commitments or follow through with their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts, or be lacking of self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD It is essential that they seek help. adhd in women checklist can improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms with lifestyle changes as well as therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved through following a routine for bedtime, limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating according to the schedule. Women who suffer from ADHD could also benefit from a heavier quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women with ADHD however, it's not an indication of the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effect of untreated ADD or underlying issues such as low self-esteem and relationship difficulties. Women with ADD often struggle with self-esteem since they aren't performing as well as other girls and women their age. They have difficulty socializing and an inability to pick up on social cues can also cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be harder for women to get diagnosed with ADD than males. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than 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 may also play a role in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal which is common among teens and young women who have ADHD.
Impulsive
If you suffer from impulsive-type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You're not patiently waiting to get your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or finish their sentences. It can also be difficult to judge the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These behaviors can affect your ability to keep your job or maintain a relationship and make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
Women with hyperactive ADHD struggle with managing their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships as well as the workplace. They might feel that people are judging or ignoring them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They might not be able to complete tasks at work or home or even lose their wallet or keys. They could be at risk of spending money on things that aren't valuable, or forget important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD can conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the disorganization that can make them forget appointments, pay bills or miss deadlines. It could be easier for them to manage their impulsive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias is a reason why women suffering from 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.
Other reasons why women suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD is often difficult for depression sufferers to manage, and it can be difficult to manage depression when dealing with impulsive behavior. The impulsive behavior can contribute to feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that some women with ADD have, which can be exacerbated by an absence of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women with ADHD can have symptoms that are similar to those experienced in depression. These symptoms could include feeling unworthy and low as well as difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being anxious. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with other people. In attention deficit disorder in women or platonic partnerships your struggles with focus and attention can heighten frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead to conflict. In school or work settings such issues could cause colleagues and coworkers to misinterpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women are harder to diagnose than in men due to women being more adept at masking their symptoms. They alter their behavior to comply with social norms and avoid being labeled fragile or emotionally unstable. In some cases they turn to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol and substance use particularly during the adolescent stage. This could make it difficult for them to realize that their ADHD is the cause of their issues, and can delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can vary from individual to individual even within the same family. Some suffer from milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that hinder their lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults with ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavior. These therapies can improve self-regulation and impulse control. They also help you manage your emotions.
There are also a number medications that are 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, Clonidine, and Guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about these drugs along with their advantages and potential risks. Your doctor may also have other suggestions for managing your symptoms. For instance, you can use an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.