ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. Some of these include establishing routines for their day and setting up phone reminders. They can also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
However, their coping strategies may become ineffective. They may also develop compulsive disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD are more likely to be distracted which means they have a difficult time staying focused and tend to forget things. They may also have difficulty organizing their personal and professional lives, which could affect their performance at work. They may miss appointments, not pay their bills or put off paying bills. They may have trouble understanding or completing math. These issues can get worse in the months prior to, and following menopausal changes.
Experts believe that girls and women are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify 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 could be viewed as less socially acceptable, especially if they are impulsive or disorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to live full, happy and fulfilled lives. But it's crucial to find a provider who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands the way it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can result in problematic behavior Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapies that aim to enhance self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people learn skills to help manage their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD typically have issues with sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether it is real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them maintain relationships. This can result in women who suffer from ADHD being more likely than others to engage in sexually risky actions, become pregnant unintentionally 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 makes it difficult to fit in at work, school or other social settings. It is also difficult for them to read body language and recognize social signals.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to stay in a rut or feel the need to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or stick to their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and a lack of self-control.
It is essential for women suffering from ADHD to seek help when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. With lifestyle changes and medication, it is possible to reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Sleeping enough can help reduce ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating according to a schedule can all help improve sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD can benefit from a weighted blanket or calming music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, though not an indicator of ADHD is a common occurrence in women who have the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or other related issues such as low self-esteem and relationship difficulties. Women who suffer from ADD are often struggling with self-esteem since they do not perform in the same way as other women and girls their age. Being unable to interact with others and a lack of ability to detect social signals can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder to be diagnosed with ADD. This is due to the fact that doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. adhd in young women is especially true during puberty and pregnancy as well as during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles when hormones are undergoing changes.
Women also have the ability to conceal their symptoms better than men or boys. Additionally, society has many expectations for women. It can be difficult to manage with the symptoms of ADHD. 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
You react quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait to get your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or interrupt them in their conversation. You also have difficulty judging the social appropriateness of your actions. These actions can impact your ability to keep relationships or work and can make it hard to live up to expectations from family or friends.
Women suffering from an impulsive ADHD have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to conflict in relationships and the workplace. They may feel like others are judging them or are disrespectful because they can't keep up or focus. They might not be able to complete tasks at home or at work or even lose their keys or wallet. They might be inclined to spending money on items that are not valuable or they could lose track of important dates or appointments.
Some women who have ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them cope with the disorder that may make them forget appointments, pay bills, or miss deadlines. It could be easier for them to deal with their impulse-driven ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons women with impulsive type ADHD are not 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.
Other reasons that a woman with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior associated with ADD can be difficult for those suffering from depression to manage, and it's a challenge to treat the depression while being afflicted by the impulsive behavior. The impulsive behavior can cause feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which may be exacerbated by an absence of support from loved ones.
The following are some ways to lower your risk:
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are similar to depression. The symptoms may include feeling worthless and low, having difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, and being irritable. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with others. In romantic or platonic partnerships your struggles with attention and focus could create tension and confusion that may lead to conflict. In school or at work, these problems can cause coworkers and colleagues to interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, making it difficult to identify depression and ADHD. They frequently alter their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotional. In some cases they may resort to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs particularly during the adolescent stage. This makes it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the cause of their problems, and may delay getting a diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptoms severity can vary. Some sufferers have milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Others have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavior. These treatments can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control, and can 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, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor can tell you more about these medications along with their benefits and dangers. Your doctor may also have other suggestions for managing your symptoms. For instance, you could use a planner, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay organized. You could also benefit by joining an women's ADHD support group.