ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. These may include building an everyday schedule and setting reminders for phone calls. They could also resort to bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies can become unsustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have difficulties organizing their personal and professional lives, which may impact their work performance. They may miss appointments, not pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. They might have trouble in reading or with math. These problems may get worse during, before and after menopause.
Many experts believe that it is more difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept 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 can be perceived by others as unacceptable particularly if they are impulsive and unorganized.
It is possible for women who have ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. It is essential to select an expert who is familiar with the disorder and knows how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy, which helps patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can cause them to engage in problematic behaviors Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is which is a combination of CBT and other therapeutic methods that aim to improve impulse control and self-regulation and dialectical behavioral therapy, which assists individuals develop skills that help them manage emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also often struggle with rejection sensitivity, an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection that makes it more difficult for them to keep relationships going. This can result in women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in sexually dangerous behavior, have unplanned pregnancy or seek out 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 for them to be a part of a group at school, at work or in other social settings. It can also be challenging for them to read body language and pick up on social signals.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to wait or are driven to move forward. This can make it difficult for them to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. Women may also find it difficult to stick to their social obligations or follow through with their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or a lack of self-control.
It is crucial for women with ADHD to seek assistance when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their life and increase confidence and self-esteem. With lifestyle changes as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to decrease or eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's sleep can reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved by following a routine for bedtime by limiting screen time at night, and eating according to a schedule. A woman suffering from ADHD may benefit from a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, although not an indicator of ADHD, is common in women who suffer from the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD, or deeper issues like low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women suffering from ADD tend to be insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform as well as women and girls similar to them. Inability to read social cues and difficulties with social interactions can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than males. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly evident during puberty, pregnancy and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormone levels are changing.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than for males and males. It can be challenging to balance the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can lead depression, stress and anxiety. It may be a factor in the development non-suicidal-self-injury which is common among young women and teens who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you are suffering from the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You're not patiently waiting to get your turn 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 behavior in a social setting. signs of add in adult women can affect the ability to sustain relationships or even a job, and can make it difficult to meet the expectations from family friends, colleagues and other family members.
Women who suffer from impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their emotions, which can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They might feel that people are criticizing or disrespecting them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They may not be able to finish their work at home or at work, or they might misplace their wallet or keys. They could be at risk of spending money on items that are not valuable or lose track of important dates or appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is particularly the case in their professional lives. They might employ assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them cope with the disorganization that can cause them to forget appointments, pay bills or fail to meet deadlines. It might be easier for them to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias is one reason why women with 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.
Other reasons that women with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which often coexists with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers might have difficulty in attempting to control the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can also be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. These impulsive behaviors may contribute towards the feelings of self-doubt and despair that some women with ADD feel. This can be exacerbated by the lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. This can include feeling depressed and worthless, having trouble getting enough sleep or concentrating or being angry and easily annoyed. Doctors often combine the two disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with other people. Your inability to focus and pay attention can lead to frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead you to conflicts. These issues can lead to colleagues or coworkers thinking that your behavior in work or school situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it harder to diagnose depression and ADHD. They change their behavior in order to meet social expectations and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and substance abuse, especially during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult to realize that their ADHD is causing their problems and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Symptom severity can differ from individual to individual even within the same family. Some people experience milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms that affect their daily lives.
There are several treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These treatments can improve self-regulation as well as control of impulses and also teach you how to manage your emotions.
There are also a number medicines that can be 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, the clonidine and guanfacine. Your doctor will be able to tell you more about these medications as well as their advantages and potential risks. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions for managing your symptoms. For example, you might consider using a planner or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes during meetings to keep your schedule organized. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.