ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD come up with strategies to mask their symptoms. This could include creating an everyday schedule and setting phone reminders. They can also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ may become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype, which makes it harder for them to remain focused on tasks and are more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulties organizing their personal and professional lives, which could impact their work performance. They might not attend appointments, fail to pay bills or put off paying bills. They might have difficulty in math or reading. These problems can worsen in the months prior to, and following menopausal symptoms.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for women and girls 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). Those behaviors can be perceived as less socially acceptable, especially if they are impulsive or disorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is 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 individuals develop skills that help manage their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also often struggle with rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection that makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This could mean that they are more likely to seek out romantic partners on a casual basis and engage in sexually risky behaviors 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 make friends with other people at school, at work or in other social situations. They might also find it difficult to read body language and detect social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to wait or are driven to move forward. This can make it hard to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women might also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or stick to their commitments. add in adult women can also struggle with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD to seek help when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. With changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to lessen or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a reduction in screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all help improve sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD could also benefit from using a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression is a common occurrence among women suffering from ADHD, even though it's not a symptom of the condition. It could be the result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or due to root issues, such as low self-esteem, poor work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women with ADD frequently struggle with self-esteem because they aren't performing in the same way as other girls and women their older. Inability to read social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than males. This is because doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy and also during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles as hormones change.
Women are also able to hide their symptoms more easily than boys or men. Additionally there are many expectations for women that can be stressful when juggling with the symptoms of ADHD. This can cause stress, depression and anxiety. It may also contribute to the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal which is common among young women and teens with ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you have impulsive ADHD symptoms. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak during conversations, and you're more likely to interrupt or complete other people's sentences. You may also find it difficult to judge appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These actions can impact your ability to sustain a relationship or a job and make it hard to meet the expectations from family or friends.
Women with an impulsive ADHD struggle with managing their emotions. This can lead to conflict in relationships as well as the workplace. They may feel that others are criticizing or disrespecting them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They may not be able to finish tasks at work or home or even lose their wallet or keys. They may be at risk of spending money on things that do not provide value or lose track of important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They may employ assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the disorganization that can make them forget appointments, not pay bills or fail to meet deadlines. They may find it easier to cope with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias is one of the reasons why women suffering from an impulsive type of 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 often caused by or coexists alongside ADD is also a reason why a woman suffering from impulsive type ADHD may not be diagnosed. Patients suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It can be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. These impulsive symptoms may contribute to the feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD suffer from, which can be compounded by an absence of support from loved ones.
Here are a few of the ways to reduce your risk:
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms similar to depression. These symptoms can include feeling unworthy and low and having trouble sleeping or concentrating, and being anxious. In many cases, the two conditions are combined and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with other people. In romantic or platonic partnerships your issues with attention and focus can cause frustration and miscommunication which can lead to conflict. These problems can lead to colleagues or coworkers misinterpreting your behavior in school or at work situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, which makes it harder to recognize depression and ADHD. They often change their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotional. In some cases they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, especially during adolescence. This can also make it difficult to realize that their ADHD is causing their issues and delay obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from individual to individual, even within the same family. Certain people have milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms which interfere with their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavior. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as help you manage your emotions.
Additionally 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, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to provide more information about the advantages and risks of these drugs. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay on top of things, or take notes during meetings and record reminders. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.