ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. This could include creating a daily schedule and setting reminders on their phones. They may also use bravado as a buffer against social isolation.
Their coping strategies could become ineffective. They may also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be unfocused, meaning they have a difficult time staying focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They can also have trouble organizing their personal and professional lives, which could affect their performance at work. They may miss appointments, not pay bills or delay their work. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These problems can worsen during, before and after menopausal symptoms.
Experts believe that women and girls are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it 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 less socially acceptable particularly if they're chaotic or impulsive.
The good news is that it is possible for women suffering from ADHD to lead happy, full and satisfying lives. However, it's important to find a provider who is well-versed in the disorder and can explain how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often plagued with rejection sensitivity. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection, whether it's real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to keep relationships. This could mean that they are more likely to look for intimate partners or engage in sexually risky 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 difficult to make friends at school, work or in other social settings. It is also difficult for them to comprehend body language and pick up on social cues.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to wait or feel the need to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying the bills. It can be a challenge for women to keep up on their commitments and social interactions. They also have to deal with emotional outbursts and lack of self-control.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important that they seek help. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to lessen or eliminate symptoms by making lifestyle changes treatment, therapy and medications.
A good night's sleep can help to 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 who suffer from ADHD could also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression, although not a symptom of ADHD, is common in women who have the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or other underlying issues such as low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem since they don't perform like women of similar age. They have difficulty socializing and an inability to detect social cues can cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. Home is especially true during puberty, pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormones are undergoing changes.
Women are also able to hide their symptoms better than men or boys. In addition the society has a lot of expectations for women. It can be stressful when juggling with the symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It can also play a role in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal which is a common occurrence among teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You aren't able to wait for your turn to speak in conversations, and you're more likely to interrupt or finish sentences of other people. You may also find it difficult to determine the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These behaviors can affect your ability to keep a job or a relationship and make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family, friends and coworkers.
Women suffering from an impulsive ADHD have a hard time managing their emotions. This can lead to conflict in relationships as well as the workplace. They may feel like others are unkind or apathetic because they're unable to keep pace or focus. They might not be able to complete tasks at home or at work or lose their wallet or keys. They might be inclined to spending money on things that are not valuable or they may forget important dates or appointments.
Some women who have ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can assist them in overcoming the disorder that can lead them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or even pay bills. They might find it easier to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias is one 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 that women with impulsive-type ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. People suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. The impulsive behavior can cause feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which can be compounded by a lack of support from family members.
Here are a few of the ways you can reduce your risk:
Women with ADHD can have symptoms similar to those seen in depression. The symptoms may include feeling depressed and worthless, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being anxious. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with other people. In platonic or romantic relationships, your trouble with attention and focus can cause frustration and miscommunication that can cause conflict. These problems can lead to coworkers or colleagues not understanding your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They change their behavior to comply with social norms and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly in the adolescent years. This can also make it hard for them to recognize that their ADHD is causing their issues and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Symptom severity can differ from person to person even within the same family. Certain people have milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
There are many treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as help you manage your emotions.
In addition, there are a number 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 provide more about these drugs along with their benefits and dangers. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. For instance, you can use an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes at meetings to help you stay organized. You may also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.