ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. Some of these include establishing routines for their day and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado as a buffer against social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ could become ineffective. They may also develop comorbid conditions including mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
attention deficit in women or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be inattentive which makes it more difficult to keep their attention on their tasks and more likely to forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and work lives, which can impact their work performance. They may miss appointments, not pay their bills or delay their work. They may have trouble understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen in the months prior to, during or after menopausal transition.
Experts believe that women and girls are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to identify 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 may be viewed by others as being less acceptable, especially if impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. But it's crucial to find a provider who is well-versed in the disorder and knows how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapeutic practices that are designed to enhance self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavioral therapy, which assists patients develop the skills needed to assist them in managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD are also often afflicted with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection which makes it harder for them to keep relationships going. This could mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis or engage in sexually risky 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 hard to be accepted at work, school, or in other social situations. It can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and understand social signals.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD find it hard to wait or feel the need to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women may also find it difficult to fulfill their social obligations or follow through with their commitments. They may also be afflicted by emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important that they seek help. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. Through changes in lifestyle, medication and therapy it is possible to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine and a slowed down screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all help improve sleeping habits. A woman with ADHD can benefit from a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, though not an indication of ADHD is quite common among women who have the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD, or related issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD are usually lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as women and girls similar to them. Inability to recognize social cues and difficulties with social interactions can also result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher when it comes to being diagnosed with ADD. This is because doctors often misinterpret the symptoms of ADD in women for symptoms that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially evident during pregnancy and puberty and also during menopausal perimenopausal transition, when hormones are changing.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than it is for males and males. Additionally there are many expectations for women that can be stressful when juggling with symptoms of ADHD. This can cause depression, stress and anxiety. It may also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is prevalent in teenagers and young women suffering from ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you suffer from the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You're not able to wait for your turn to speak in a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or complete other people's sentences. It can also be difficult to judge the social appropriateness or your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to sustain a relationship or a job and make it difficult to live up to expectations of family friends, colleagues and other family members.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty controlling their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They might feel that people are critical or disrespectful because they can't keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to finish tasks at work or at home, or they might misplace their keys or wallet. They might be prone to spending money on things that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD may conceal their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can assist them in overcoming the disorganization which can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay bills. It may be easier for them to deal with their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias is a reason that 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.
Other reasons that a woman with impulsive-type ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. People suffering from depression might have difficulty in attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Impulsive behavior can contribute to feelings of self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be exacerbated by a lack support from family members.
Depression
Women with ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These symptoms can include feeling worthless and low, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being anxious. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships your issues with attention and focus could heighten frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead to conflict. These problems can lead to colleagues or coworkers thinking that your behavior in school or at work settings as lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women can be harder to diagnose than in men due to women being more adept in hiding their symptoms. They frequently alter their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotional. In some cases, they resort to unhealthy methods to cope, such as excessive alcohol and substance use particularly during adolescence. This can also make it hard for them to recognize that their ADHD is causing their problems and delay obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can differ. Some people have milder symptoms, and are known as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms which interfere with their daily life.
The good news is that there are treatments available for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavior. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as teach you to manage your emotions.
Additionally, there are a number 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, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor can tell you more about these drugs as well as their benefits and risks. They may be able to offer you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay organized or make notes during meetings and make reminders. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.