ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD develop strategies to manage their symptoms. Some of these include establishing an everyday routine and setting up phone reminders. They could also employ bravado as a buffer against social isolation.
However, their coping strategies could become unsustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it more difficult for them to remain focused on their work and are more likely forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and professional lives, which can affect their performance at work. They may miss appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. They may have trouble reading or doing math. These difficulties can worsen prior to, during and after menopausal transition.
Many experts think that 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 could be viewed as less socially acceptable, especially if they are unorganized or impulsive.
The good news is that it is possible for women suffering from ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It's important to choose a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic methods that are designed to enhance self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavioral therapy, which assists individuals develop skills that assist them in managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD are also often afflicted with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection which makes it harder for them to keep relationships going. This could mean that they are more likely to pursue 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 makes it difficult to be accepted at school, work or in other social situations. They might also find it difficult to read body language and detect social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel a pressing need to get moving. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. It may also be challenging for women to keep up on their commitments and social interactions. They also have to deal with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD, it is important that they seek help. Treatment can improve their lives and boost their confidence and self-esteem. With changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to reduce or completely eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved with a good bedtime routine, limiting the amount of screen time at night, and eating according to a schedule. A woman with ADHD could also benefit from using a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, while not a symptom of ADHD is quite common among women who have the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or deeper issues like low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD tend to be insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform well as women and girls similar to them. Inability to recognize social cues and difficulties with social interactions can also contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder to be diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly evident during puberty, pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for boys and men. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can lead anxiety, depression and anxiety. It can also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is a common occurrence in teens and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you have impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait to get your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or interrupt them in their conversation. You also have difficulty judging the appropriateness of your social actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep a relationship or a job, and can make it hard to meet the expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women suffering from an impulsive ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships as well as the workplace. They might feel that people are unkind or apathetic because they can't keep up or concentrate. They might be unable to finish tasks at the office or at home or lose their keys or wallet. They may be prone towards spending money on things that aren't valuable, or they could lose track of important dates or appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can conceal their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who assist them in overcoming the chaos that can cause them to be late for deadlines, forget appointments or even pay bills. It may 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 is a reason why women with impulsive-type ADHD are underdiagnosed. 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.
attention deficit in women , which is often caused by or coexists alongside ADD, can also be a reason why a woman suffering from an impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD is often difficult for depression sufferers to manage, and it's a challenge to manage depression when dealing with an impulsive personality. Those impulsive behaviors can also contribute to feelings of self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD suffer from. This can be exacerbated by the lack of support from family members.
The following are some of the ways you can reduce your risk:
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those seen in depression. These symptoms can include feeling depressed and worthless as well as difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being angry. Many times, the two conditions are combined and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships, your trouble with attention and focus can heighten frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead to conflict. In school or work settings These issues can cause colleagues and coworkers to misinterpret your behavior as hostility, disinterest, or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to diagnose depression and ADHD. They often change their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotionally unstable. In some cases they turn to unhealthy methods to cope, like excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs especially during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to realize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems, and may delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Some people have milder symptoms, and are known as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily life.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD that include cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These therapies can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and help you manage your emotions.
In addition to that, there are a variety 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 are also available such as atomoxetine (Strattera) viloxazine (Qelbree) as well as clonidine (Kapvay), and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can explain the benefits and dangers of these drugs. They might also be able to give you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. For instance, you can consider using an organizer or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes at meetings to help you stay on track. You could also benefit by joining an women's ADHD support group.