ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms. Some of these include creating routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
However, their coping strategies may become ineffective. They could also develop comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be inattentive, meaning they are more difficult to stay focused and tend to forget things. They may also have trouble managing their work and personal lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They may miss appointments, not pay bills or procrastinate. They may have trouble in math or reading. These problems can worsen when, prior to and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making 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). These behaviors are often viewed by others as being less acceptable particularly if they are impulsive and chaotic.
It is possible for women with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilled lives. It is important to find a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and can explain how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to problematic behaviors. adhd in women is a blend of CBT with other therapeutic practices to enhance impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also often struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection that makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This can result in women who suffer from ADHD being more likely than other women to engage in risky sexual 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 school, at work or in other social situations. They might be unable to read bodylanguage and pick up social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often find it difficult to wait for something or feel a urgent need to get moving. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying the bills. Women might also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or stick to their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and a lack of self-control.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD to seek help when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms with changes in lifestyle as well as therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime 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 may benefit from blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression, though not an indicator of ADHD is quite common among women with the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD, or related issues such as low self-esteem and relationship difficulties. Women with ADD tend to be low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as girls and women of the same age. Having difficulty with social interaction and a lack of ability to recognize social cues can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. This is because doctors frequently make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy and puberty, as well as during perimenopause or menopause, when hormones are changing.
Women can also hide their symptoms easier than boys or men. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society with ADHD symptoms. This can lead stress, depression and anxiety. It could also play a role in the development non-suicidal-self-injury which is common in young women and teens who have ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait for your turn in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt others or finish their sentences. You are also unable to judge the social appropriateness of your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to sustain relationships or work and can make it difficult to live up to expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women suffering from impulsive ADHD have trouble managing their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships as well as in the workplace. They might feel that people are criticizing or disrespecting them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They may not be able to complete tasks at home or at work, or misplace their wallet or keys. They may be prone towards spending money on things that are not valuable or they may lose track of important dates or appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretary or cleaning services that can help them cope with the disorganization which can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or even pay bills. They may find it easier to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias may be one of the reasons women who suffer from 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.
Depression, which is often caused by or coexists with ADD, can also be one of the reasons why a woman suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed. Patients suffering from depression might have difficulty in attempting to manage the impulsive behavior that are associated with ADD. It is also difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. The impulsive behavior can contribute to the feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that some women with ADD have, which can be exacerbated by a lack of support from family members.
The following are some of the ways you can reduce your risk:
Women who suffer from ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These symptoms could include feeling unworthy and low and having trouble sleeping or concentrating, and being anxious. Doctors often combine the two disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with other people. Your inability to focus and pay attention can lead to confusion and frustration that can lead into conflicts. These issues can lead to colleagues or coworkers not understanding your behaviour in school or work settings as lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women are more difficult to identify than men due to women being more adept at masking their symptoms. They change their behavior in order to comply with social norms and avoid being labeled fragile or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly during the adolescent stage. This could make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the cause of their issues, and can delay getting a diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptoms severity can vary. Certain people have milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, and can teach you to manage your emotions.
Additionally there are a myriad 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 explain the advantages and risks of these drugs. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. For instance, you can use an organizer and note-taking reminders and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.