ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. This could include creating a daily schedule and setting reminders on their phones. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies can become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety 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 more likely to forget things. They may also have trouble managing their work and personal lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They may miss appointments, or fail to pay their bills and may be prone to procrastination. They may have trouble in math or reading. These issues can become more difficult before, during and after menopause.
Many experts believe that it is more difficult for girls and women to get 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 are often viewed by others as unacceptable, especially if impulsive and disorganized.
The good news is that it's possible for women with ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. It is essential to select a professional who is familiar with the disorder and understands how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that result in problematic behavior neurocognitive psychotherapy, a combination of CBT and other therapies that are designed to enhance self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavior therapy, which assists patients develop the skills needed to help manage their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD typically have issues with rejection sensitivity. This is an intense emotional reaction to rejection, whether real or perceived. This makes it difficult for them to maintain relationships. This can result in women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in sexually risky behaviors, get pregnant without planning or look for casual sexual partners.
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 difficult to fit in at work, school, or other social settings. It can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and pick up on social cues.
Impatient
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to stay in a rut or are driven to move forward. This can make it difficult for them to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning house or paying bills. high functioning adhd in women may also find it difficult to stick to their social obligations or keep their commitments. Women can also have emotional outbursts, or be lacking of self-control.
It is essential for women with ADHD to seek assistance when they are experiencing the symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. Through changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to decrease or eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms. The way you sleep can be improved through having a regular bedtime routine and limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating on a schedule. Women suffering from ADHD might also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women suffering from ADHD however, it's not an indication of the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effect of untreated ADD or related issues such as low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women who suffer from ADD are often lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as girls and women who are the same age. Being unable to interact with others and an inability to recognize social cues can also contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to get diagnosed with ADD than males. This is because doctors frequently make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women as symptoms that are more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially evident during pregnancy and puberty, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transition, when hormones are changing.
Women are also able to hide their symptoms more easily than boys or men. In addition, society has many expectations for women that can be difficult to manage with the symptoms of ADHD. This can cause anxiety, depression and stress. It can be a contributing factor to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is a common occurrence in teens and young women with ADHD.
Impulsive
When you have impulsive-type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You aren't able to wait for your turn to speak during a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or finish sentences of other people. You are also unable to judge the social appropriateness of your actions. These actions can affect your ability to maintain your job or maintain a relationship and can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family members, friends and coworkers.
Women who suffer from impulsive-type ADHD often have trouble controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are judging them or disdaining them because they can't concentrate or keep up. They might not be able complete tasks at home or at work, or misplace their keys or wallet. They may be at risk of spending money on things that do not provide value or lose track of important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who assist them in overcoming the disorganization which can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay their bills. They might find it easier to cope with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than when they're at the workplace.
Gender bias could 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 a woman with impulsive-type ADHD may not be diagnosed is depression, which is often associated with or is caused by ADD. People suffering from depression may have difficulty attempting to control the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It can also be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. Those impulsive behaviors can also cause feelings of self-doubt, and a sense of worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be made worse by a lack support from family members.
Depression
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to those that are seen in depression. They may feel depressed and worthless, having trouble in concentrating or sleeping or being anxious and easily annoyed. Many times, the two disorders are combined and treated by a physician. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships with other people. In romantic or platonic partnerships, your trouble with focus and attention can create tension and confusion which can lead to conflict. In school or work settings These issues can cause coworkers and colleagues to misinterpret your behavior as insecurity, hostility, or lack of commitment.
Depression and ADHD in women are more difficult to diagnose than men due to women being more adept in hiding their symptoms. They alter their behavior to comply with social norms and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In some cases they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that include excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly in the adolescent years. This can make it difficult for them to recognize their ADHD is causing their issues and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Even within the same family, symptom severity can differ. Certain people experience milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that affect their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD, including cognitive behavioral therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical therapy for behavioral disorders. These treatments can help improve self-regulation and impulse control. They also teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a variety of medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in adults. Stimulants are typically prescribed, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall), and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). There are also non-stimulants available, including atomoxetine (Strattera), viloxazine (Qelbree) and clonidine (Kapvay) and guanfacine (Intuniv). Your doctor can provide more about these medications, including their advantages and potential risks. Your doctor may also have other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay organized, or take notes during meetings and make reminders. You could also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.