ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. These may include building an everyday schedule and setting reminders on their phones. They could also resort to bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies could become unsustainable. They may also develop co-morbid disorders like depression, anxiety, and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be inattentive and have a harder time staying focused and tend to forget things. They may also have trouble managing their work and personal lives, which may affect their performance at work. They might miss appointments, or fail to pay bills, and are inclined to delay their work. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These issues can get worse when, prior to and after menopausal changes.
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). Those behaviors can be perceived as unsocially acceptable, especially if they are impulsive or disorganized.
The good news is that it's possible for women with ADHD to live happy, full and satisfying lives. It is important to select a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT along with other therapeutic methods to improve self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy can help people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improving interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD often have a problem with sensitivity to rejection. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection whether real or perceived. This causes them to be unable to maintain relationships. This could mean that they are more likely to look for romantic partners on a casual basis, engage in risky sexual 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 makes it difficult to make friends at work, school, or other social situations. It can also be difficult for them to comprehend body language and understand social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel a pressing need to move on. This can make it difficult to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. It may also be challenging for women to keep up on their commitments as well as social interactions. They also have to deal with emotional outbursts and lack of self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD It is essential to seek assistance. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase self-esteem and confidence. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms through lifestyle changes as well as therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a slowed down screen time at night and eating according to a schedule can all aid in improving sleeping habits. A person suffering from ADHD could also benefit from using a weighted blanket or calming music to help them sleep.
Depression, although not a symptom of ADHD, is common in women who have the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or because of the root issues, such as low self-esteem, low work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women with ADD often struggle with self-esteem as they aren't performing in the same way as other girls and women their age. Inability to discern social cues and difficulties with social interactions can also result in feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. conversational tone is because doctors often misinterpret the symptoms of ADD in women for signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy as well as during menopausal or perimenopausal cycles, when hormones are changing.
Women can also hide their symptoms easier than men or boys. It can be difficult to manage the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression and anxiety. It can also play a role in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal which is a common occurrence among teens and young women who have ADHD.
Impulsive
When you have impulsive-type ADHD symptoms you're quick to make decisions without thinking. You don't want to wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or finish their sentences. It can also be difficult to judge the social appropriateness or your actions. adult add in women can affect your ability to maintain a job or a relationship and they can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, friends and coworkers.
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 may feel that others are critical or disrespectful because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may not be able complete tasks at home or at work or lose their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on things that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to conceal their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services that can assist them in overcoming the disorder that can lead them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay their bills. They might find it easier to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias is among the reasons that 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.
Depression, which is usually caused by or coexists alongside ADD, can also be the reason why a woman suffering from an impulsive type ADHD might not be diagnosed. Depression sufferers might have difficulty in attempting to manage the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. Those impulsive symptoms can also cause feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD suffer from, which can be exacerbated by a lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those seen in depression. This can include feeling depressed and worthless, having trouble sleeping or concentrating, or being irritable and easily angry. Many times, the two conditions are paired and treated by a doctor. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with others. Inability to focus and pay attention can lead to frustrations and miscommunications, which may lead you to conflicts. In school or at work, these problems can cause coworkers and colleagues to misinterpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to diagnose than men because women are better at masking their symptoms. They change their behavior to conform to social expectations and avoid being labeled fragile or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive alcohol consumption and use of drugs especially during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their issues and delay obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptom severity can vary. Certain people have milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
There are many treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can improve self-regulation and impulse control. They also teach you to manage your emotions.
Additionally there are a myriad of drugs that 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 tell you more about the benefits and risks of these drugs. They may also give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. For instance, you could use an organizer or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes at meetings to keep your schedule organized. You may also benefit from joining an women's ADHD support group.