ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. Some of these include establishing a daily routine and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado as a buffer against social isolation.
However, their coping strategies may become ineffective. They may also develop co-morbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty managing their work and personal lives, which can impact their work performance. They might miss appointments, not pay bills or procrastinate. They might have difficulty in math or reading. These problems can worsen during, before and after menopausal changes.
Many experts think that it is more difficult for females and females to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept in 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 less acceptable especially if they are impulsive or unorganized.
The good news is that it's possible for women suffering from ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select an expert who is well-versed in the disorder and knows how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT along with other therapeutic methods to enhance impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women suffering from ADHD typically have issues 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 could mean that they are more likely to pursue casual sexual partners, engage in risky sexual behaviors or have unplanned pregnancies.
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 make friends with other people at school, at work or in other social environments. They might be unable to read bodylanguage and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to stay in a rut or feel the need to move forward. This can make it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. It can be a challenge for women to stay focused on their commitments as well as social interactions. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and inability to control their emotions.
It is essential for women with ADHD to seek assistance when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms with lifestyle changes, therapy and medication.
A restful night's sleep can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine and a reduction in screen time at night, and eating on a regular basis can all aid in improving sleeping habits. Women who suffer from ADHD might benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to aid in their sleep.
Depression, although not a symptom of ADHD, is common in women with the condition. It can be a result of the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or because of the underlying issues like low self-esteem, poor work performance and difficulty with relationships. women and adhd with ADD often struggle with self-esteem as they aren't performing like other girls and women their age. Inability to read social signals and have difficulty in social interactions may result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially evident during pregnancy and puberty and also during menopausal perimenopausal transition, when hormones are changing.
Women also have the ability to conceal their symptoms more easily than men or boys. Additionally, society has a lot of expectations for women, which can be stressful when juggling with the symptoms of ADHD. 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 aren't able to wait for your turn to speak in the course of a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt or finish sentences of others. You also have difficulty judging the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep relationships or work and can make it difficult to live up to expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women who suffer from 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 unkind or apathetic because they are unable to keep up or focus. They might be unable to finish tasks at work or at home or even lose their keys or wallet. They might be prone to spending money on things that don't add value or they might lose track of important dates and appointments.
Some women who have ADHD can conceal their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have secretaries, assistants or cleaning services to help them cope with the disorder that may make them forget appointments, not pay bills or miss deadlines. They might find it easier to cope with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias is 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.
Other reasons that women with an impulsive type of ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that comes with ADD is often difficult for those suffering from depression to control, and it's difficult to manage depression when struggling with impulsive behavior. These impulsive behaviors may contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that some women with ADD experience. This can be made worse by a lack support from loved ones.
The following are some ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women with ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These can include feeling low and depressed, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating or being angry and easily annoyed. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD may also affect your relationships. Inability to focus and pay attention can cause frustrations and misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts. In school or at work such issues could cause colleagues and coworkers to misinterpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it harder to recognize depression and ADHD. They change their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, especially during adolescence. This can make it hard for them to recognize their ADHD is the cause of their problems and delay obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptom severity may differ. Some people have milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some have severe symptoms that hinder their daily 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 behavior. women and adhd can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and help you manage your emotions.
Additionally there are a myriad of medications that are 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, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to explain the benefits and dangers of these medications. Your doctor may also have other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. For instance, you can try using a planner and note-taking reminders and taking notes during meetings to help you stay organized. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.