ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. These include establishing an agenda for the day 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 comorbid conditions including mood disorders, anxiety and self-harming behaviours such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be unfocused which means they have a harder time staying focused and are more likely to lose track of things. They may also have difficulties organizing their personal and professional lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, fail to pay bills or procrastinate. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These problems can worsen when, prior to and after menopause.
Many experts believe it is more difficult for women and girls to get diagnosed with ADHD because they are better 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 being less acceptable particularly if they are impulsive and disorganized.
It is possible for women with ADHD to live happy, fulfilled and full lives. But it's crucial to find a professional who is knowledgeable about the disorder and can explain how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which assists patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that lead to problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy can help people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improving 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 which makes it harder for them to maintain relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to pursue romantic partners on a casual basis, engage in risky sexual 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 makes it difficult to be accepted at work, school or in other social situations. It can also be challenging for them to read body language and recognize social signals.
Impatient
Women with 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 the house or paying bills. Women might also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or stick to their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts as well as a lack of self-control.
It is important for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost self-esteem and confidence. Through changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to lessen or eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular basis can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. Women with ADHD could also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression, while not a symptom of ADHD is quite common among women who have the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or related issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women with ADD often struggle with self-esteem as they aren't performing as well as other women and girls their older. Being unable to interact with others and being unable to detect social signals can contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It can be harder for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for men. Doctors often misdiagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially relevant during pregnancy, puberty and during perimenopause and menopause when hormones are changing.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than it is for boys and men. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society with ADHD symptoms. This can lead to stress, depression and anxiety. It may also be a factor in the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is common in teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you suffer from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You aren't able to wait for your turn to speak during a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or complete sentences of others. It can also be difficult to judge the social appropriateness or your actions. These actions can impact your ability to keep relationships or even a job, and can make it hard to meet the expectations from family or friends.
Women who suffer from hyperactive ADHD have trouble controlling their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships and the workplace. They may feel that others are criticizing or disrespecting them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They may be unable to complete tasks at work or at home or even lose their keys or wallet. They could be at risk of spending money on items that aren't worth the money or they could forget important dates or appointments.
Women with ADHD may conceal their symptoms. This is especially true in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can assist them in overcoming the disorganization which can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay bills. They may find it easier to cope 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 underdiagnosed. 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 a woman with impulsive-type ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behavior that are characteristic of ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. These impulsive symptoms may contribute to the feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that some women with ADD have, which can be compounded by an absence of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women with ADHD might experience symptoms that resemble depression. This can include feeling depressed and unimportant, having difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating or being anxious and easily angry. Many times, the two conditions are combined and treated by a physician. Depression and ADD could also impact your relationships. Your inability to focus and pay attention can cause frustrations and miscommunications that can lead into conflict. These issues can result in coworkers or colleagues not understanding your behavior in school or at work situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They change their behavior in order to conform to social expectations and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In high functioning adhd in women turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly during the adolescent years. This can also make it hard for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their problems and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can differ. Some people experience milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms which interfere with their daily life.
There are many treatment options for adults with 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 teach you to manage your emotions.
In addition to that, there are a variety 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 tell you more about the benefits and dangers of these drugs. Your doctor could also provide other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. You can use a planner to stay organized or make notes during meetings and record reminders. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.