ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. One of them is creating a daily routine and establishing phone reminders. They can also make use of bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms could become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid conditions including anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be inattentive and have a difficult time staying focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They also may have issues organizing their personal and professional lives, which could affect their work performance. They might not attend appointments, fail to pay bills or delay their work. They might have trouble understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen before, during and after menopause.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for women and girls to be 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 are often viewed by others as unacceptable especially if they are impulsive or unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. However, it's important to find a doctor who is well-versed in the disorder and can explain the way it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a blend of CBT with other therapeutic practices to enhance impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD typically have issues with sensitivity to rejection. This is a strong emotional reaction to rejection, whether it is real or perceived. This causes them to be unable to keep relationships. This can lead to women with ADHD being more prone than other women to engage in risky sexual behavior, have unplanned pregnancy 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 make friends at work, school or other social settings. They may also have difficulty learning to read bodylanguage and pick up social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD find it hard to wait or have a desire to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the home or paying the bills. It can be a challenge for women to keep up on their commitments as well as social interactions. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or a lack in self-control.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is crucial to seek assistance. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost their confidence and self-esteem. With changes in lifestyle, medication and therapy it is possible to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Sleeping enough can help reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved through having a regular bedtime routine by limiting screen time at night and eating according to a schedule. A woman with ADHD can benefit from a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression is a common occurrence among women suffering from ADHD, even though it's not a symptom of the condition. It can be a result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or due to root causes like low self-esteem, poor work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women with ADD are usually lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as girls and women similar to them. Being unable to interact with others and a lack of ability to pick up on social cues can also contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly evident during puberty, pregnancy and during perimenopause and menopause 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 difficult to cope with the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. It may also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is prevalent in teenagers and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you suffer from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt other people or end their sentences. You may also find it difficult to judge the appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These actions can impact your ability to sustain a relationship or a job and can make it difficult to meet the expectations from family or friends.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. add symptoms in women I Am Psychiatry might feel that people are critical or disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may be unable to complete tasks at home or at work or even lose their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on things that do not add value or they might lose track of important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD can conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can help them deal with the disorder that can lead them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay their bills. They might be able to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons women with the 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.
Depression, which is often caused by or coexists alongside ADD, can also be a reason why a woman suffering from impulsive type ADHD may not be diagnosed. Patients suffering from depression may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. The impulsive behavior can cause feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that some women with ADD have, which can be exacerbated by the lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women who suffer from ADHD might experience symptoms that resemble depression. These can include feeling low and worthless, having trouble sleeping or concentrating or being angry and easily annoyed. Many times, the two disorders are combined and treated by a physician. Depression and ADD may also affect your relationships. In romantic or platonic partnerships your issues with attention and focus could heighten frustrations and misunderstandings that may lead to conflict. These problems can lead to coworkers or colleagues not understanding your behavior in school or at work settings as lack of commitment, disinterest or hostility.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior to meet social expectations and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly during the adolescent stage. This could make it difficult for them to realize that their ADHD is the cause of their issues, and can delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Certain people have milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Others have severe symptoms that interfere with their lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These therapies can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a number medications that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants include atomoxetine, viloxazine, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor can provide more about these medications, including their benefits and dangers. They might be able to offer you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. For example, you might consider using an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to keep your schedule organized. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.