ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. One of them is creating routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ could become ineffective. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women with ADHD are more likely to be unfocused and are more difficult to stay focused and are more likely to forget things. inattentive adhd in women may also have trouble organizing their personal and work lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay bills or put off paying bills. They may have trouble in math or reading. These problems may get worse in the months prior to, and following menopausal symptoms.
Experts believe that girls and women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it harder 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 especially if they are impulsive or chaotic.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. However, it's important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disorder and can explain how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD often have a problem with sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether it's real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to keep relationships. This means that they are more likely to seek out 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 makes it difficult for them to fit in with others at school, at work or in other social situations. They might also have difficulty learning to read bodylanguage and pick up social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD are unable to sit still or are driven to move forward. This can make it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. It can be a challenge for women to stay focused on their commitments as well as social interactions. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or lack in self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek out help. Treatment can improve their lives and increase self-esteem and confidence. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms through modifications to lifestyle, therapy and medication.
A restful night's sleep can help reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved with a good bedtime routine and limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating according to a schedule. A person suffering from ADHD can also benefit from using a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, although not an indication of ADHD is a common occurrence in women who suffer from the condition. It can be a result of the debilitating effects caused by untreated ADD or because of the underlying issues like low self-esteem, poor work performance and difficulty in relationships. Women with ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem since they aren't performing as well as other girls and women their older. Inability to discern social cues and difficulty with social interactions can result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be harder for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. This is due to the fact that doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially true during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are changing.
Women also have the ability to conceal their symptoms more easily than men or boys. It can be difficult to balance the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can cause depression, stress and anxiety. It can be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal, which is common in young women and teens who have ADHD.
Impulsive
If you suffer from impulsive-type ADHD symptoms, you're quick to act without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak in a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or end sentences of others. It can also be difficult to judge the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep a job or a relationship and make it difficult to meet the expectations of family members, friends and coworkers.
Women suffering from an impulsive ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships and in the workplace. They might feel that people are critical or disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or focus. They might be unable to complete tasks at work or at home or lose their keys or wallet. They may be prone towards spending money on things that are not valuable or they could forget important dates or appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who help them cope with the disorganization which can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or even pay bills. It could be easier for them to deal with their impulse-driven ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than in the office.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons women with 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 may not be recognized is depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behavior that come with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. Those impulsive symptoms can also cause feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which may be compounded by a lack of support from loved ones.
Here are a few of the ways you can reduce your risk of contracting a disease:
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to depression. These symptoms can include feeling depressed and worthless as well as difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, and being angry. Many times, the two conditions are paired and treated by a doctor. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with other people. Inability to focus and pay attention can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings that can lead into conflict. These issues can lead to colleagues or coworkers not understanding your behavior in school or at work situations as a lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior in order to comply with social norms and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly during the adolescent years. This can also make it difficult to realize that their ADHD is causing their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptoms severity may differ. Certain people experience milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These therapies can improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as help you manage your emotions.
There are a variety of medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). There are also non-stimulants available such as atomoxetine (Strattera) viloxazine (Qelbree) and Clonidine (Kapvay), and Guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more about these drugs, including their advantages and potential risks. They may also give you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. For instance, you could try using an organizer or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes at meetings to keep your schedule organized. You might also benefit from joining an women's ADHD support group.