ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD develop strategies to disguise their symptoms. Some of these include creating routines for their day and setting up phone reminders. They could also employ bravado as a way to avoid social isolation.
The coping strategies they employ may become unsustainable. They may also develop comorbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviors such as cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women with ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype which makes it difficult for them to stay focused on tasks and more likely to forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and professional lives, which could hinder their performance at work. They may miss appointments, fail to pay bills or put off paying bills. They may have difficulty in reading or with math. These difficulties can worsen prior to, during and after menopausal transition.
Experts believe that girls and women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making 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 are often viewed by others as unacceptable particularly if they are impulsive and disorganized.
It is possible for women with ADHD to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. However, it's important to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands the way it affects women. There are a variety of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists patients recognize negative beliefs and thoughts that lead to problematic behaviors Neurocognitive psychotherapy, which is which is a blend of CBT and other therapeutic practices that are designed 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 often struggle with sensitivity to rejection, an intense emotional response to real or perceived rejection that makes it more difficult to keep relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to seek out intimate partners or engage in sexually risky behavior 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 could make it difficult to be a part of a group at work, at school or in other social settings. It is also difficult for them to read body language and pick up on social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often find it difficult to wait for something or feel the urgent need to get moving. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. Women may also find it difficult to stick to their social obligations or follow through with their commitments. They may also be afflicted by emotional outbursts and inability to control their emotions.
It is crucial for women with ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to lessen or eliminate symptoms by making modifications to lifestyle, therapy and medication.
A good night's rest can help to reduce ADHD symptoms. A good bedtime routine and a slowed down the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular schedule can all aid in improving sleeping habits. Women who suffer from ADHD might also benefit from a heavier quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression is common among women suffering from ADHD although it's not an indication of the condition. It is often caused by the debilitating effects of untreated ADD, or deeper issues like low self-esteem or relationship issues. Women with ADD tend to be low on self-esteem due to their inability to perform as well as women and girls similar to them. They have difficulty socializing and an inability to pick up on social signals can contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
Women may have a tougher to be diagnosed with ADD. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is especially relevant during pregnancy and puberty as well as during perimenopause or menopause, when hormones are changing.
It is also easier for women to conceal their symptoms than for boys and men. It can be difficult to manage the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression and anxiety. It can be a factor in self-injury that is not suicide-related which is common among teens and young women who have ADHD.
Impulsive
When you have impulsive-type ADHD symptoms You're quick to react without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn to speak during a conversation, and you're more likely to interrupt or complete sentences of other people. It can also be difficult to judge the social appropriateness or your actions. These behaviors can affect your ability to keep your job or maintain a relationship and they can make it difficult to meet the expectations of family, colleagues and friends.
adhd in women uk with impulsive ADHD have a hard time controlling their emotions. This can lead to conflicts in relationships and at in the workplace. They may feel that others are criticizing or disrespecting them because they are unable to focus or keep up. They may not be able to complete tasks at the office or at home or even lose their wallet or keys. They might be prone to spending money on items that don't provide value or forget important dates and appointments.
Some women who have ADHD are able to hide their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They may have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay bills. They may find it easier to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias is among the reasons why women with 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.
Depression, which is often caused by or is co-exists with ADD, can also be the reason why a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed. Depression sufferers may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behavior that are associated with ADD. It can also be difficult to treat depression when impulsive behaviour is present. Impulsive behavior can contribute to feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness that women who suffer from ADD feel. This can be made worse by the lack of support from loved ones.
Depression
Women suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that resemble depression. They may feel depressed and unimportant, having difficulty in concentrating or sleeping or being anxious and easily angered. Doctors often combine the two conditions and treat them both. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. Your inability to focus and pay attention can result in frustrations and miscommunications, which may lead you into conflicts. These issues can result in colleagues or coworkers misinterpreting your behavior in work or school settings as a lack of interest, commitment, or hostility.
Women are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it more difficult to identify depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior in order to conform to social expectations and avoid being labeled weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, particularly in the adolescent years. This can also make it difficult to realize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems and delay getting an accurate diagnosis.
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 that affect their daily activities.
There are a variety of treatment options available for adults suffering from ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), neurocognitive therapy (NCP) and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control, and can help you manage your emotions.
In addition there are a myriad of medications 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, viloxazine, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor can provide more about these medications, including their advantages and potential risks. They may be able to offer you other recommendations for coping with your symptoms. You can use a planner to keep track of your schedule and take notes during meetings and record reminders. You could also benefit by joining an ADHD support group for women.