ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. These include establishing a daily schedule and setting phone reminders. They may also use bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
Their coping strategies could become ineffective. They may also experience compulsive disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype, which makes it harder to keep their attention on tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have difficulty with organizing their professional and personal lives, which could affect their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay bills or put off paying bills. They may have difficulty understanding or completing math. These problems may get worse in the months prior to, and following menopausal symptoms.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for females and females to be 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 being less acceptable particularly if they are impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead happy, fulfilled and full lives. But it's crucial to find a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and knows the way it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavior therapy, which helps patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that result in problematic behavior; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic methods that aim to improve self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps patients develop the skills needed to assist them in managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection which makes it harder for them to keep relationships going. This means that they are more likely to look for intimate 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 can make it difficult to make friends at work, school or in other social situations. They might be unable to read body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel a urgent need to get moving. This makes it difficult to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. It can also be difficult for women to follow through on their commitments and social activities. They also have to deal with emotional outbursts and a lack of self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is crucial that they seek help. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms by making lifestyle changes, therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can help reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved by having a regular bedtime routine, limiting the amount of screen time at night, and eating according to a schedule. A woman with ADHD may also benefit from using a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, while not an indication of ADHD, is common in women who have the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or due to root issues, such as low self-esteem, poor job performance and difficulty in relationships. Women who suffer from ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem as they don't perform in the same way as women of similar older. Inability to read social cues and difficulties with social interactions can result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher when it comes to being diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy, as well as during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for boys and men. In addition the society has many expectations for women. It can be stressful to juggle with the symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression and stress. It could also be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which is prevalent in teenagers and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait for your turn in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt others or end their sentences. adhd in older women can also be difficult to judge the appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These actions can impact your ability to keep relationships or work and make it hard to meet the expectations from family, friends and colleagues.
Women with impulsive type ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are critical or disrespectful because they can't keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to finish tasks at home or at work, or misplace their keys or wallet. adhd in women treatment may be at risk of spending money on things that do not add value or they might lose track of important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can conceal their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them cope with the chaos that can cause them to miss appointments, forget to pay bills, or miss deadlines. They might find it easier to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias is among the reasons why women with 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 recognized is depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD can be hard for those suffering from depression to manage, and it can be difficult to treat the depression while dealing with an impulsive personality. These impulsive behaviors may cause feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be made worse due to a lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms similar to depression. This can include feeling depressed and unimportant, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating or being angry and easily angered. A lot of times, these two conditions are combined and treated by a physician. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with other people. In platonic or romantic relationships your struggles with attention and focus can cause frustration and miscommunication which can lead to conflict. These problems can lead to colleagues or coworkers not understanding your behavior in work or school settings as a lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women can be harder to diagnose than in men due to women being more adept at masking their symptoms. They often change their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotional. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs especially during the adolescent years. This makes it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is the root of their problems, and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptoms severity can vary. Some people have milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that affect their lives.
The good news is that there are treatments available for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can improve self-regulation as well as impulse control and teach you to manage your emotions.
In addition to that, there are a variety 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 information about the benefits and dangers of these drugs. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay on top of things or make notes during meetings and record reminders. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.