ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. Some of these include establishing an everyday routine and setting up phone reminders. They may also use bravado to ward off social isolation.
However, their coping strategies can become unsustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be unfocused and have a difficult time staying focused and tend to forget things. They can also have trouble with organizing their professional and personal lives, which can impact their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, fail to pay bills or delay their work. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These problems may get worse in the months prior to, and following menopausal changes.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for girls and women to get diagnosed with ADHD because they are better at 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 with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilled lives. But it's crucial to find a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and can explain how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT with other therapeutic practices to enhance impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps people learn skills for managing emotions and improving 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 maintain relationships. This can lead to women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in sexually dangerous actions, become pregnant unintentionally 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 difficult to fit in with others at work, at school or in other social situations. It can also be difficult for them to read body language and understand social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to sit still or feel the need to move forward. This can make it difficult to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. It may also be challenging for women to stay focused on their commitments and social activities. They may also be afflicted by emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
It is crucial for women with ADHD to seek assistance when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms through modifications to lifestyle, therapy and medication.
Getting enough sleep can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a reduction in screen time at night, and eating on a regular basis can all aid in improving sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD could also benefit from using a weighted blanket or calming music to help them sleep.
Depression, though not an indication of ADHD is a common occurrence in women with the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD, or underlying issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women suffering from ADD are usually insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform well as women and girls similar to them. Inability to discern social cues and difficulty with social interactions can cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher when it comes to being diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially evident during pregnancy and puberty as well as during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than it is for men and boys. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society with ADHD symptoms. This can cause stress, depression and anxiety. It may also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is a common occurrence in teens and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you have the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You're not patiently waiting for your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or finish their sentences. You are also unable to judge the social appropriateness of your actions. These behaviors can affect your ability to keep the relationship or job you have and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family members, colleagues and friends.
Women who suffer from impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are judging them or are disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or focus. They may be unable to finish tasks at work or at home or even lose their wallet or keys. They could be prone to spending money on things that do not provide value or forget important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD may conceal their symptoms. This is particularly true in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who can help them deal with the disorganization which can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or even pay bills. They might find it easier to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias is one reason 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.
Depression, which is usually caused by or coexists alongside ADD, can also be one of the reasons why a woman with impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior that comes with ADD can be difficult for people suffering from depression to manage, and it can be difficult to treat the depression while dealing with impulsive behavior. These impulsive symptoms may cause feelings of worthlessness 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 ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those experienced in depression. This can include feeling depressed and depressed, having difficulty in concentrating or sleeping or being anxious and easily angry. Doctors often combine both disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with other people. adhd in women treatment to focus and pay attention can result in confusion and frustration that can lead to conflicts. In work or school settings These issues can make colleagues and coworkers think that your behavior is a sign of insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be harder to diagnose than in men because women are better in hiding their symptoms. They tend to alter their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotionally unstable. In some cases they turn to unhealthy methods to cope, like excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs particularly during the adolescent years. This can make it hard for them to recognize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptoms severity can differ. Some people have milder symptoms, which are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that interfere with their lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, and can 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, Clonidine, and Guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to explain the benefits and risks of these drugs. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. For example, you might consider using an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to keep your schedule organized. You might also benefit from joining an women's ADHD support group.