ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. These may include building a daily schedule and setting phone reminders. They could also resort to bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies could become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders like depression, anxiety, and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it more difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They can also have trouble managing their professional and personal lives, which can impact their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, not pay bills or procrastinate. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These issues can become more difficult prior to, during and after menopausal changes.
Many experts believe that it is more difficult for women and girls to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are better 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). These behaviors are often viewed as less socially acceptable particularly if they're chaotic or impulsive.
The good news is that it's possible for women with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilling lives. It is important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to problematic behaviors; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapeutic practices designed to improve impulse control and self-regulation; and dialectical behavior therapy, which assists individuals develop skills that help manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection which makes it harder to keep relationships. This could mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis and engage in risky sexual 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 can make it difficult to make friends at work, school, or other social situations. It can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and understand social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often find it difficult to wait for something or feel a pressing need to complete the task. This can make it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. It can be a challenge for women to follow through on their commitments as well as social interactions. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
When women are experiencing symptoms of ADHD It is essential to seek out help. Treatment can improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms through changes in lifestyle as well as therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved through a good bedtime routine, limiting the amount of screen time at night, and eating according to an established schedule. A woman suffering from ADHD can also benefit from using a weighted blanket or calming music to help them fall asleep.
Depression is common among women suffering from ADHD however, it's not a symptom of the condition. It can be a result of the debilitating effects caused by untreated ADD or because of the underlying issues like low self-esteem, low work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women suffering from ADD tend to be low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform well as girls and women of the same age. Inability to read social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can also contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy, as well as during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles, when hormones are changing.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for men and boys. It can be challenging to manage the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It may be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal which is common among teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
You act quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You aren't able to wait for your turn to speak during a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or finish other people's sentences. You also have difficulty judging the social appropriateness of your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to keep relationships or work and make it hard to meet the expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD have a hard time managing their emotions. This can lead to conflict in relationships and in the workplace. They might feel that people are unkind or apathetic because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may be unable to complete tasks at home or at work or lose their keys or wallet. They could be at risk of spending money on items that aren't valuable, or forget important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They may have secretaries, assistants or cleaning services to help them deal with the disorder that may make them forget appointments, pay bills, or miss deadlines. It might be easier for them to manage their impulse-driven ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than in the office.
Gender bias is among the reasons that women suffering from 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.
Depression, which is typically caused by or is co-exists with ADD It could also be one of the reasons for why a woman suffering from impulsive type ADHD may not be diagnosed. People suffering from depression may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behavior that come with ADD. It can be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. The impulsive behavior can contribute to the feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that some women with ADD have, which may be compounded by a lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those that are seen in depression. These symptoms can include feeling unworthy and low as well as difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, and being angry. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with others. Inability to focus and pay attention can cause confusion and frustration, which may lead you to conflict. These issues can lead to colleagues or coworkers misinterpreting your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to diagnose than males because women are more adept at hiding their symptoms. They tend to alter their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is causing their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from person to person even within the same family. Certain people experience milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily life.
There are Home of treatment options for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control and help you manage your emotions.
There are a variety of 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 include atomoxetine, viloxazine, Clonidine, and Guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to provide more information about the advantages and risks of these medications. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay organized or make notes during meetings and make reminders. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.