ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD develop strategies to mask their symptoms. One of them is creating a daily routine and setting up phone reminders. They could also resort to bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms may not be sustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety, and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it difficult to keep their attention on their work and are more likely to forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and work lives, which could affect their performance at work. They may miss appointments, fail to pay bills or procrastinate. They may have trouble reading or doing math. These problems can worsen during, before and after menopause.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept 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 may be viewed by others as being less acceptable particularly if they are impulsive and disorganized.
The good news is that it's possible for women suffering from ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. However, it's important to find a provider who is knowledgeable about the disorder and can explain how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids 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 can help people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection that makes it more difficult for them to keep relationships going. This can lead to women with ADHD being more likely than other people to engage in risky sexual behaviors, get pregnant without planning 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 be a part of a group at work, at school or in other social settings. They might also find it difficult to read bodylanguage and pick up social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel the urgent need to complete the task. This can make it difficult for them to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. Women might also have difficulty to fulfill their social obligations or keep their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important that they seek help. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms through changes in lifestyle as well as therapy and medication.
Getting enough sleep can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime and a slowed down the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD could benefit from blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, although not an indicator of ADHD is quite common among women who have the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or due to root causes like low self-esteem, poor job performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women who suffer from ADD often struggle with self-esteem since they aren't performing like women of similar age. Being unable to interact with others and being unable to detect social signals can contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for men. This is due to the fact that doctors often make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially evident during puberty, pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormone levels are changing.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than it is for boys and men. It can be challenging to cope with the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can lead depression, stress and anxiety. It can be a factor in self-injury that is not suicide-related, which is common among young women and teens who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
When you have impulsive-type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You don't want to wait for your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or interrupt them in their conversation. You may also be unable to judge the appropriateness of your social actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to maintain a relationship or a job and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are judging them or disdaining them due to their inability to concentrate or keep up. They may not be able to complete tasks at work or home or lose their keys or wallet. They might be prone to spending money on items that don't add value or they might lose track of important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can hide their symptoms. adhd symptoms in adult women is particularly the case in their professional lives. They might have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who help them deal with the disorganization which can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or even pay bills. They might be able 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 why women with impulsive-type ADHD aren't diagnosed. 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 typically caused by or is co-exists with ADD is also one of the reasons for why a woman suffering from an impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. People suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can also be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. Those impulsive symptoms can also cause feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which can be compounded by a lack of support from loved ones.
Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk of contracting a disease:
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are similar to depression. This can include feeling depressed and depressed, having difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating or being angry and easily annoyed. Doctors often combine both disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. In romantic or platonic partnerships your struggles with attention and focus can heighten frustrations and misunderstandings that may lead to conflict. In school or work settings such issues could cause coworkers and colleagues to interpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, making it difficult to identify depression and ADHD. They often change their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse, especially during the adolescent stage. This makes it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the root of their problems, and delay getting a correct diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptoms severity can vary. Some suffer from milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily life.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults with ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavior. These therapies can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and 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). There are other non-stimulants, including atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree) as well as Clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more about these drugs along with their benefits and dangers. They may also be able to give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. For instance, you could consider using a planner or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes at meetings to help you stay organized. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.