ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. Some of these include creating routines for their day and setting up phone reminders. They can also make use of bravado to shield themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping mechanisms could become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it more difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They may also have difficulty organizing their professional and personal lives, which could affect their work performance. They might not attend appointments, not pay their bills or procrastinate. They may have trouble understanding or completing math. These problems can get worse in the months prior to, during or after menopause.
Many experts believe 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 may be viewed by others as less acceptable, especially if impulsive and chaotic.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It's important to choose a provider that 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 identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can result in problematic behavior neurocognitive psychotherapy, a combination of CBT and other therapeutic practices designed to enhance self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavioral therapy, which assists individuals develop skills that help manage 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 reaction to real or perceived rejection which makes it harder to keep relationships. This means that they are more likely to look for intimate partners, engage in sexually risky behavior 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 make friends at work, school or in other social settings. It can also be difficult for them to comprehend body language and understand social signals.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often struggle to wait for something or feel a pressing need to get moving. This can make it difficult to complete tasks such as cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying the bills. Women might also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or keep their commitments. They may also be afflicted by emotional outbursts and a inability to control their emotions.
It is essential for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their life and increase confidence and self-esteem. Through changes in lifestyle and medication, it is possible to decrease or eliminate the symptoms.
A restful night's sleep can reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved by following a routine for bedtime, limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating on a schedule. Women with ADHD may also benefit from a heavier quilt or soothing music to aid in their sleep.
Depression, while not an indication of ADHD, is common in women who suffer from the condition. It could be the result of the debilitating effects caused by untreated ADD or due to underlying issues like low self-esteem, poor work performance, and difficulties with relationships. Women suffering from ADD are often lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform well as girls and women who are the same age. Inability to recognize social signals and have difficulty with social interactions can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than males. This is because doctors frequently mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as symptoms that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy, puberty and during menopausal and perimenopausal cycles when hormone levels are changing.
It is also more easy for women to conceal their symptoms than for men and boys. In addition there are many expectations for women, which can be stressful to juggle with symptoms of ADHD. This can lead stress, depression and anxiety. It could also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is a common occurrence in teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
If you're suffering from impulsive type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak during the course of a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt or complete sentences of others. You might also find it difficult to determine the appropriateness of your behavior in a social setting. These actions can affect your ability to keep a job or a relationship and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family members, colleagues and friends.
Women with impulsive type ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They might feel that other people are criticizing or disrespecting them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They may be unable to finish their work at work or at home, or they might misplace their wallet or keys. They may be at risk of spending money on items that don't add value or they might lose track of important dates and appointments.
Women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to 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 fail to meet deadlines. They may find it easier to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias may be one of the reasons women who suffer from an impulsive type of ADHD aren't recognized as having the disorder. 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 why a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. attention deficit in women suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to manage the impulsive behavior that are characteristic of ADD. It can also be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. The impulsive behavior can contribute to feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which may be exacerbated by an absence of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women with ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. This can include feeling depressed and worthless, having trouble getting enough sleep or concentrating or being anxious and easily angered. Doctors often combine both disorders and treat them in conjunction. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with others. In platonic or romantic relationships, your trouble with focus and attention can cause frustration and miscommunication that may lead to conflict. These issues can result in colleagues or coworkers not understanding your behavior in work or school settings as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Depression and ADHD in women can be more difficult to identify than men due to women being more adept at hiding their symptoms. They frequently alter their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotional. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy ways to cope, like excessive alcohol and substance use particularly during the adolescent years. This can make it hard for them to recognize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
Symptom severity can differ from individual to individual, even within the same family. Certain people have milder symptoms, referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some people have severe symptoms that affect their daily life.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control and teach you how to manage your emotions.
Additionally, there are a number of drugs that treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Non-stimulants are also available, including atomoxetine (Strattera) viloxazine (Qelbree), clonidine (Kapvay) and Guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can explain the benefits and dangers of these drugs. They might also give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. For example, you might try using an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.