ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. These may include building a daily schedule and setting reminders for phone calls. They could also resort to bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms could become ineffective. They could also develop co-occurring conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD are more likely to be distracted, meaning they are more difficult to stay focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They may also have trouble managing their work and personal lives, which can hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These issues can become more difficult prior to, during 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 are often viewed by others as unacceptable particularly if they are impulsive and disorganized.
It is possible for women with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilled lives. It is essential to select a provider that is knowledgeable about the disorder and knows how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic methods designed to improve self-regulation and impulse control; and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps individuals develop skills that assist them in managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection that makes it more difficult for them to keep relationships going. This can mean that they are more likely to look for casual sexual partners or engage in sexually risky behaviors or have unplanned pregnancies.
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 fit in at school, work or in other social settings. They may also find it difficult to read bodylanguage and pick up social signals.
Impatient
Women who suffer from ADHD are unable to wait or have a desire to move forward. This makes it difficult to finish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the home or paying bills. Women may also find it difficult to fulfill their social obligations or stick to their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and lack of self-control.
It is important for women with ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their life and increase confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms with modifications to lifestyle, therapy and medication.
Getting enough sleep can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine, limiting screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression, while not an indication of ADHD, is common in women with the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating effects caused by untreated ADD or because of the root causes like low self-esteem, low work performance and difficulty with relationships. Women who suffer from ADD tend to be lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform well as women and girls similar to them. Being unable to interact with others and an inability to recognize social cues can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than men. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially true during puberty and pregnancy, as well as during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles as hormones change.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for males and males. Additionally the society has a lot of expectations for women, which can be stressful to juggle with symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It may also be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which is common in teens and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
If you suffer from impulsive-type ADHD symptoms you're quick to make decisions without thinking. You can't wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or interrupt them in their conversation. It can also be difficult to judge the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These actions can affect your ability to maintain your job or maintain a relationship and they can make it difficult to live up to the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
Women with an impulsive ADHD have trouble managing their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships and the workplace. They may feel like others are unkind or apathetic because they can't keep up or focus. They may be unable to finish tasks at home or at work or lose their wallet or keys. They could be at risk of spending money on things that aren't worth the money or they could forget important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or even pay bills. They may be able to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias may be one of the reasons why 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.
Other reasons that women suffering from impulsive-type ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which often coexists with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers might have difficulty in attempting to control the impulsive behaviors that come with ADD. It can also be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. Impulsive behavior can cause feelings of self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be made worse by the lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to depression. These symptoms can include feeling worthless and low, having difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as being anxious. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. In platonic or romantic relationships your struggles with attention and focus can heighten frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead 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.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, making it more difficult to recognize depression and ADHD. They change their behavior to meet social expectations and avoid being seen as fragile or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy methods to cope, like excessive drinking and drug use especially during the adolescent stage. This can also make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is causing their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Within click through the following website page , symptom severity can differ. Some people have milder symptoms, which are known as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms which interfere with their daily activities.
There are several treatment options for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control, as well as help you manage your emotions.
Additionally there are a myriad of medications 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, viloxazine, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor can tell you more about the benefits and risks of these medications. They might also give you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. You can use a planner to keep track of your schedule and take notes during meetings and make reminders. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.