ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD come up with strategies to manage their symptoms. Some of these include establishing an everyday routine and setting up phone reminders. They can also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms could become unsustainable. They may also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviours such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD are more likely to be inattentive which means they have a difficult time staying focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They may also have difficulty managing their work and personal lives, which may hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay bills, and are prone to procrastination. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These difficulties can worsen prior to, during and after menopause.
Experts believe that women and girls are better at hiding their symptoms, making it difficult 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 can be perceived by others as being less acceptable, especially if impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead happy, fulfilled and full lives. It is important to select a provider that is knowledgeable about the disorder and how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic practices that aim to improve self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavioral therapy, which helps patients develop the skills needed to help them manage emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often plagued with rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection, whether it's real or perceived. This causes them to be unable to keep relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to look for casual sexual partners, engage in sexually risky behavior 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 difficult to fit in at work, school, or other social situations. They might also have difficulty learning to read body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel a urgent need to complete the task. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying the bills. Women may also find it difficult to stick to their social obligations or keep their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or lack in self-control.
It is crucial for women with ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase self-esteem and confidence. adhd in women treatment is also possible to lessen or eliminate symptoms through modifications to lifestyle, therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime, limiting the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular basis can all help improve sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD may benefit from a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression is common for women suffering from ADHD however, it's not a symptom of the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or because of the root issues, such as low self-esteem, low work performance and difficulty with relationships. Women who suffer from ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem as they aren't performing like women of similar age. Inability to discern social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for men. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially true during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause when hormone levels are changing.
Women also have the ability to conceal their symptoms better than men or boys. It can be difficult to balance the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can lead to anxiety, depression and stress. It can also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is prevalent in teenagers and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
If you're suffering from impulsive type ADHD symptoms, you're quick to act without thinking. You aren't able to wait for your turn to speak in the course of a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt or finish sentences of others. You may also be unable to judge the appropriateness of your social actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to sustain relationships or even a job, and can make it hard to meet the expectations from family or friends.
Women with impulsive type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are judging them or are disrespectful because they're unable to keep pace or concentrate. They might be unable to finish their work at work or at home, or they might misplace their keys or wallet. They could be prone to spending money on things that don't provide value or lose track of important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can assist them in overcoming the disorganization which can cause them to be late for deadlines, forget appointments or pay their bills. It may be easier for them to deal with their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their friends and family than in the office.
Gender bias is among the reasons that 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 women with impulsive-type ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which often coexists with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers might have difficulty in attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Those impulsive symptoms can also contribute to feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that some women with ADD suffer from, which can be exacerbated by the lack of support from loved ones.
Here are a few ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are similar to depression. The symptoms may include feeling unworthy and low as well as difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, and being angry. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them together. women and adhd and ADD can also affect your relationships with others. Inability to focus and pay attention can result in confusion and frustration which can lead you into conflict. In school or work settings such issues could make colleagues and coworkers interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to identify than men because women are better at masking their symptoms. They alter their behavior to comply with social norms and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug use especially during the adolescent stage. This could make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is the reason for their problems, and delay getting a diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can differ. Some people experience milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control and help you manage your emotions.
Additionally there are a myriad of drugs that treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). There are other non-stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) viloxazine (Qelbree) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more information about the benefits and risks of these medications. Your doctor may also have other 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.