ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Some of these include establishing routines for their day and setting up phone reminders. They may also use bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms can become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it more difficult to keep their attention on their tasks and are more likely to forget things. They can also have trouble organizing their professional and personal lives, which may affect their performance at work. They might miss appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. adhd in adult women test might have difficulty reading or doing math. These issues can become more difficult prior to, during and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose 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 as being less acceptable to society, especially if they are impulsive or disorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women suffering from ADHD to live happy, full and satisfying lives. However, it's important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disorder and knows the way it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT together with other therapies to enhance impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people learn skills for managing emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often plagued with sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether it is real or perceived. This causes them to be unable to maintain relationships. This can lead to women who suffer from ADHD being more likely than other people to engage in risky sexual behavior, have unplanned pregnancy 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 could make it difficult to be a part of a group at school, at work or in other social settings. They might also have difficulty learning to read body language and pick up social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD find it hard to stay in a rut or have a desire to move forward. This can make it difficult to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. It may also be challenging for women to follow through on their commitments and social activities. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or a lack in self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek out help. Treatment can improve their lives and boost their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms with modifications to lifestyle treatment, therapy and medications.
A good night's sleep can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved by a good bedtime routine by limiting screen time at night, and eating according to the schedule. A woman suffering from ADHD may benefit from blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women suffering from ADHD although it's not an indication of the condition. It could be the result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or because of the root issues, such as low self-esteem, low work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women with ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem as they aren't performing like other girls and women their age. Inability to discern social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can also result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
signs of add in adult women 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 particularly relevant during pregnancy, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for boys and men. It can be difficult to balance the demands of society with ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression and stress. It can be a contributing factor to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is a common occurrence in teens and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you suffer from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak during the course of a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt or end sentences of other people. You also have difficulty judging the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to maintain relationships or work, and can make it difficult to live up to expectations from family or friends.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They might feel that people are criticizing or disrespecting them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They may not be able to complete tasks at work or home or lose their keys or wallet. 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 may conceal their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay bills. They might find it easier to cope with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias is one of the reasons women who suffer from the 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 women with an impulsive type of ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD can be hard for people suffering from depression to control, and it's difficult to manage depression when being afflicted by an impulsive personality. Those impulsive symptoms can also cause feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that some women with ADD have, which can be compounded by the lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to those seen in depression. They may feel depressed and worthless, having trouble in concentrating or sleeping or being angry and easily annoyed. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with others. In platonic or romantic relationships, your trouble with attention and focus could create tension and confusion that may lead to conflict. In school or at work These issues can cause colleagues and coworkers to interpret your behavior as hostility, disinterest, or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to identify than males because women are more adept at hiding their symptoms. They frequently alter their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs particularly during the adolescent stage. This can also make it hard for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from person to person, even within the same family. Some people have milder symptoms, which are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms which interfere with their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavior. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, and can teach you to manage your emotions.
There are a variety of medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to explain the benefits and dangers of these medications. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay organized or make notes during meetings and make reminders. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.