ADD and Women in Women
Girls and women with ADHD frequently develop coping mechanisms to disguise their symptoms. These include establishing an everyday schedule and setting phone reminders. They could also resort to bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
Their coping mechanisms may not be sustainable. They may also develop compulsive disorders, such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women who suffer from ADHD tend to be inattentive which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on tasks and more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty with organizing their professional and personal lives, which can impact their performance at work. They might not attend appointments, fail to pay bills or put off paying bills. They may have trouble in math or reading. These issues can get worse during, before and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose 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 may be viewed by others as being less acceptable especially if they are impulsive or disorganized.
It is possible for women with ADHD to lead happy, fulfilled and full lives. It is important to select a professional who is well-versed in the disorder and how it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that can result in problematic behavior neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic methods designed to improve self-regulation and impulse control and dialectical behavior therapy, which helps patients develop the skills needed to help manage their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions.
Women who suffer from ADHD are also often afflicted with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional response to actual or perceived rejection that makes it more difficult to keep relationships. This means that they are more likely to pursue casual sexual partners or 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 fit in at work, school or in other social situations. It can also be challenging for them to read body language and understand social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD have a difficult time deciding whether to wait or feel the need to move forward. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to fulfill their social obligations or follow through with their commitments. They also have to deal with emotional outbursts and a lack of self-control.
It is essential for women suffering from ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. Through lifestyle changes and medication, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Getting enough sleep can also help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A regular bedtime routine, limiting screen time at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all help improve sleeping habits. A woman with ADHD can benefit from a blanket that is weighted or relaxing music to help them sleep.
Depression, while not an indication of ADHD is quite common among women with the condition. It can be caused by the debilitating impact of untreated ADD or other underlying issues such as low self-esteem and relationships issues. Women who suffer from ADD often struggle with self-esteem since they don't perform as well as women of similar age. Being unable to interact with others and being unable to detect social signals can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women can have a harder time getting diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly relevant during pregnancy and puberty and also during perimenopause or menopause when hormones are undergoing changes.
Women can also hide their symptoms more easily than men or boys. It can be challenging to balance the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can cause stress, depression and anxiety. It can also be a factor in the development of self-injury that is non-suicidal (NSSI), which is a common occurrence in teens and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
If you suffer from impulsive-type ADHD symptoms, you're quick to act without thinking. You don't want to wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt other people or end their sentences. You may also be unable to judge the social adequacy of your actions. These behaviors can affect the ability to keep relationships or work and can make it hard to meet the expectations from family or friends.
Women suffering from hyperactive ADHD have a hard time controlling their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships as well as the workplace. They might feel that other people are criticizing or disrespecting them due to their inability to concentrate or keep up. They might be unable to finish their work at work or at home, or they might misplace their keys or wallet. They might be prone to spending money on items that don't bring value or lose track of important dates and appointments.
Some women with ADHD can hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who can help them cope with the chaos that can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or even pay bills. It may be easier for them to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms at home with their friends and family than in the office.
Gender bias is a reason why 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 is co-exists with ADD, can also be the reason for why a woman suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed. The impulsive behavior that comes with ADD can be difficult for those suffering from depression to manage, and it can be difficult to treat the depression while being afflicted by impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior can cause feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be made worse by the lack of support from family members.
Depression
Women with ADHD may experience symptoms similar to depression. These symptoms could include feeling unworthy and low as well as difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, and being angry. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can affect your relationships with others. Your inability to concentrate and pay attention can result in frustrations and misunderstandings which can lead you into conflict. In work or school settings These issues can cause colleagues and coworkers to think that your behavior is a sign of hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are better at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to recognize depression and ADHD. They tend to alter their behavior to meet societal expectations and avoid being viewed as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances they turn to unhealthy methods of coping, such as excessive drinking and drug use especially during the adolescent stage. This could make it difficult for them to understand that their ADHD is the root of their issues, and can delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can differ from one person to another even within the same family. Certain people experience milder symptoms, which are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Certain people experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
The good news is that there are treatment options available to adults suffering from ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and teach you to manage your emotions.
There are also a variety of medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD among 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 can tell you more about these medications, including their benefits and dangers. They might also be able to give you other recommendations for coping with your symptoms. For Home , you can consider using an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay organized. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.