ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to hide their symptoms. Some of these include establishing a daily routine and establishing phone reminders. They can also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ may not be sustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to be inattentive, which makes it harder for them to remain focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have trouble managing their work and personal lives, which can hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay their bills or delay their work. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These issues can get worse in the months prior to, and following menopause.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for women and girls to get diagnosed with ADHD because they are better 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 may be viewed by others as less acceptable particularly if they are impulsive and chaotic.
The good news is that it's possible for women suffering from ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is essential to select a provider that is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that can cause them to engage in problematic behaviors neurocognitive psychotherapy, a combination of CBT and other therapies that are designed to improve impulse control and self-regulation and dialectical behavior therapy, which assists patients develop the skills needed to help manage their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have issues with sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This could mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis or 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 fit in with others at work, at school or in other social settings. attention deficit disorder in women can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and pick up on social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD find it hard to stay in a rut or have a desire to move forward. This can make it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. It may also be challenging for women to keep up on their commitments as well as social interactions. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and a inability to control their emotions.
It is important for women with ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their life and increase confidence and self-esteem. With lifestyle changes, medication and therapy it is possible to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's sleep can help reduce ADHD symptoms. adhd traits in women and a slowed down screen time at night, and eating according to a schedule can all help improve sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD could benefit from a weighted blanket or calming music to help them sleep.
Depression is a common occurrence for women suffering from ADHD however, it's not a symptom of the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or because of the root issues, such as low self-esteem, poor work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women who suffer from ADD are often insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform as well as women and girls who are the same age. Inability to discern social cues and difficulties in social interactions may result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than men. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty, pregnancy and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormones are undergoing changes.
Women are also able to hide their symptoms more easily than boys or men. It can be challenging to manage the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can lead anxiety, depression, and anxiety. It could also be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which is common in teens and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
When you have impulsive-type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. 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 may also be unable to judge the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can affect your ability to keep a job or a relationship and they can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
Women suffering from impulsive ADHD have trouble managing their emotions. This can lead to conflict in relationships as well as in the workplace. They might feel that other people are judging or ignoring them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They may not be able complete tasks at home or at work or lose their wallet or keys. They could be at risk of spending money on things that aren't worth the money or they could forget important dates or appointments.
Some women who have ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services that can assist them in overcoming the chaos that can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay bills. It could be easier for them to manage their impulsive ADHD symptoms at home with their friends and family than in the office.
Gender bias is one reason why women suffering from 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 coexists alongside ADD It could also be one of the reasons for why a woman suffering from impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD can be hard for people suffering from depression to manage, and it's a challenge to manage depression when dealing with the impulsive behavior. Those impulsive behaviors can also contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt and despair that women who suffer from ADD experience. This can be made worse by the lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women with ADHD can have symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. These can include feeling low and worthless, having trouble sleeping or concentrating or being anxious and easily angered. Doctors often combine both disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with others. Inability to focus and pay attention can result in frustrations and miscommunications which can lead you to conflicts. In school or at work such issues could cause coworkers and colleagues to interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it harder to identify depression and ADHD. They frequently alter their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly in the adolescent stage. This can also make it hard to realize that their ADHD is causing their issues and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Some people experience milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatments available for adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. These treatments can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to 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 can explain the benefits and risks of these medications. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. For example, you might try using an organizer and note-taking reminders and taking notes during meetings to help you stay organized. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.