ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Some of these include establishing an everyday routine and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms could become ineffective. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on their tasks and are more likely forget things. They also may have issues managing their professional and personal lives, which can impact their performance at work. They may miss appointments, not pay their bills or put off paying bills. They might have difficulty understanding or completing math. These difficulties can worsen prior to, during and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, which makes it difficult to recognize 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). These behaviors are often viewed as less socially acceptable particularly if they're unorganized or impulsive.
It is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, fulfilled and full lives. It is important to select an expert who is familiar with the disorder and understands how it affects women. Some treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can result in problematic behavior; neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a combination of CBT and other therapies that aim to improve impulse control and self-regulation and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people learn skills to help them manage 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 to keep relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to seek out romantic partners on a casual basis, 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 makes it difficult to make friends at school, work or other social situations. They may also find it difficult to understand body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD often find it difficult to wait for something or feel a urgent need to complete the task. https://notes.io/w4uXd can make it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women might also have difficulty to stick to their social obligations or stick to their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts or lack in self-control.
When women experience symptoms of ADHD, it is important that they seek help. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and increase self-esteem and confidence. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms with lifestyle changes treatment, therapy and medications.
Sleeping enough can help reduce ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating according to a schedule can all contribute to improved sleeping habits. A person suffering from ADHD could benefit from blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression is common for women suffering from ADHD although it's not a symptom of the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or deeper issues like low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD are often low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as girls and women of the same age. They have difficulty socializing and an inability to recognize social cues can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADD. This is due to the fact that doctors often make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women as signs that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly evident during puberty, pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormones are undergoing changes.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for boys and men. It can be difficult to balance the demands of life with ADHD symptoms. This can lead anxiety, depression and anxiety. It can be a factor in the development non-suicidal-self-injury, which is common among young women and teens who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you suffer from an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak in conversations, and you're more likely to interrupt or end sentences of other people. You also have difficulty judging the social appropriateness of your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to maintain relationships or work and make it hard to meet the expectations from family or friends.
Women with impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are judging them or are disrespectful because they're unable to keep pace or focus. They may not be able to finish their work at the office or at home or lose their wallet or keys. They could be at risk of spending money on things that aren't valuable, or forget important dates or appointments.
Some women with ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, especially in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can help them deal with the disorder that can lead them to be late for deadlines, forget appointments or even pay bills. It might be easier for them to manage their hyperactive ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office.
Gender bias is a reason 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.
Other reasons why a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. The impulsive behavior that is associated with ADD is often difficult for those suffering from depression to manage, and it can be difficult to treat depression while dealing with the impulsive behavior. The impulsive behavior can contribute to the feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that some women with ADD have, which can be compounded by an absence of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women with ADHD might exhibit symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. These symptoms could include feeling depressed and worthless as well as difficulty getting enough sleep or concentrating, as well as being angry. Many times, the two disorders are combined and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with others. Inability to focus and pay attention can result in confusion and frustration that can lead into conflict. In school or at work such issues could make colleagues and coworkers interpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest 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 alter their behavior to meet social expectations and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances they turn to unhealthy ways to cope, such as excessive drinking and drug use, especially in adolescence. This can make it difficult for them to recognize their ADHD is the cause of their problems and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptoms severity may differ. Some sufferers have milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily life.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a variety of medications that are prescribed 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 will explain the benefits and dangers of these medications. They may also be able to give you suggestions on how to deal with your symptoms. For instance, you could use a planner or notepad to record reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay organized. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.