ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to hide their symptoms. Some of these include creating an everyday routine and setting up phone reminders. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
Their coping strategies could become ineffective. They may also develop co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders, mood disorders and self-harming behaviours like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD are more likely to be inattentive which means they are more difficult to stay focused and are more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty organizing their personal and work lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay their bills or procrastinate. They may have difficulty reading or doing math. These problems can worsen in the months prior to, and following menopause.
Experts believe that girls and women are better at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to diagnose 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 particularly if they're impulsive or disorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women suffering from ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. But it's crucial to find a provider who is knowledgeable about the disorder and can explain the way it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT along with other therapeutic methods to improve self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps individuals develop skills for managing emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection which makes it harder to keep relationships. This means that they are more likely to look for casual sexual partners or engage in sexually risky behavior 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 can make it difficult to make friends at work, school or in other social settings. They might also have difficulty learning to understand body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel the urgent need to complete the task. This can make it hard to finish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women may also find it difficult to keep their social commitments or stick to their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and a lack of self-control.
It is important for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms with changes in lifestyle, therapy and medication.
Sleeping enough can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved through a good bedtime routine by limiting screen time at night, and eating according to an established schedule. Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a heavier quilt or soothing music to aid in their sleep.
Depression is a common occurrence among women with ADHD however, it's not an indication of the condition. It could be the result of the debilitating effects caused by untreated ADD or due to root issues, such as low self-esteem, low work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women with ADD often struggle with self-esteem since they aren't performing like other women and girls their older. Having difficulty with social interaction and an inability to pick up on social cues can also contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADD. This is due to the fact that doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially relevant during pregnancy, puberty as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormones are changing.
Women can also hide their symptoms better than men or boys. Additionally there are many expectations for women. It can be difficult to manage with symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression and stress. It could be a factor in self-injury that is not suicide-related which is a common occurrence in young women and teens with ADHD.
Impulsive
When you have impulsive-type ADHD symptoms you're quick to make decisions without thinking. You don't want to wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or end their sentences. You also have difficulty judging the social appropriateness of your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to sustain relationships or even a job, and can make it difficult to live up to expectations of family or friends.
Women with an impulsive ADHD have a hard time controlling their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships and the workplace. They may feel that others are critical or disrespectful because they can't keep up or concentrate. They may be unable to finish tasks at the office or at home, or they might misplace their keys or wallet. They could be prone to spending money on things that do not provide value or forget important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is especially the case in their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who can help them cope with the chaos that can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay their bills. It might be easier for them to manage their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than in the office.
Gender bias could be one of the reasons why women suffering from an impulsive type of 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 typically caused by or coexists alongside ADD It could also be a reason why a woman suffering from impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. People suffering from depression might have difficulty in attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It can be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Impulsive behavior can contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt and despair that some women with ADD feel. This can be made worse by the lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women with ADHD can have symptoms that are similar to those that are seen in depression. They may feel depressed and unimportant, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating or being anxious and easily annoyed. adhd in adult women treatment combine the two disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with other people. Inability to focus and pay attention can result in frustrations and miscommunications, which may lead you into conflicts. These issues can result in coworkers or colleagues thinking that your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to recognize depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior in order to conform to social expectations and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy methods to cope, such as excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs, especially in the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is the root of their issues, and can delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Some people have milder symptoms, which are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms which interfere with their daily life.
There are several treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a number medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD among adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants are also available such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) and Clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor will tell you more about the benefits and risks of these medications. They might also be able to give you other recommendations for coping with your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay organized or make notes during meetings and make reminders. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.