ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping mechanisms to mask their symptoms. Some of these include establishing a daily routine and establishing phone reminders. They can also make use of bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies could become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be unfocused and have a difficult time staying focused and are more likely to forget things. They can also have trouble organizing their personal and professional lives, which could affect their performance at work. They might miss appointments, fail to pay bills or delay their work. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen before, during and after menopausal transition.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for girls and women to be diagnosed with ADHD because they are more adept 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 are often viewed as less socially acceptable, especially if they are chaotic or impulsive.
The good news is that it's possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is important to select an expert who is well-versed in the disorder and knows how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT along with other therapeutic methods to improve self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD are often plagued with sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This means that they are more likely to seek out intimate partners or engage in sexually risky behavior 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 could make it difficult to make friends with other people at school, at work or in other social situations. It can also be difficult for them to read body language and pick up on social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD find it hard to sit still or have a desire to move forward. This makes it difficult to finish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women may also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or keep their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or lack in self-control.
It is crucial for women with ADHD to seek assistance when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase self-esteem and confidence. With lifestyle changes as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.
Sleeping enough 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 a schedule. Women suffering from ADHD could benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression, although not an indication of ADHD, is common in women who have the condition. www.iampsychiatry.uk could be the 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 with ADD are often struggling with self-esteem as they aren't performing in the same way as women of similar age. Having difficulty with social interaction and being unable to pick up on social cues can cause feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than males. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially true during puberty, pregnancy and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormone levels are changing.
Women can also hide their symptoms easier than boys or men. It can be challenging to balance the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression and stress. It can also contribute to the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI) which is common in teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you suffer from impulsive ADHD symptoms. You don't want to wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt other people or end their sentences. You may also be unable to judge the social appropriateness of your actions. These behaviors can impact your ability to keep relationships or even a job, and can make it difficult to live up to expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions, which can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are unkind or apathetic because they can't keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to complete tasks at home or at work, or misplace their wallet or keys. They may be at risk of spending money on things that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is particularly true in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to forget appointments, not 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 at the office.
Gender bias may be one of the reasons women who suffer 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 women suffering from impulsive-type ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which often coexists with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behavior that come with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. The impulsive behavior can cause feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which can be compounded by an absence of support from loved ones.
The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
Women suffering from ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. The symptoms may include feeling worthless and low as well as difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, and being anxious. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with other people. Your inability to concentrate and pay attention can lead to frustrations and miscommunications that can lead to conflict. These problems can lead to coworkers or colleagues misinterpreting your behavior in work or school settings as lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They change their behavior to comply with social norms and avoid being labeled fragile or emotionally unstable. In some cases they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly in the adolescent years. This makes it difficult for them to realize that their ADHD is the root of their problems, and delay getting a correct diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptoms severity may differ. Some people experience milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that hinder their daily lives.
There are many 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 help improve self-regulation and impulse control, and can teach you to manage your emotions.
In addition, 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 will be able to tell you more about the advantages and risks of these medications. They may be able to offer you additional suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay organized or make notes during meetings and record reminders. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.