ADD and Women in Women
Women and girls with ADHD develop strategies to mask their symptoms. Some of these include creating a daily routine and establishing phone reminders. They may also use bravado to protect themselves from social isolation.
Their coping strategies may become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting.
Hyperactive or hypoactive?
Women suffering from ADHD tend to have the inattention subtype, which makes it harder for them to stay focused on their work and more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty managing their work and personal lives, which may impact their work performance. They might miss appointments, fail to pay bills, and are susceptible to procrastination. They might have difficulty in reading or with math. These issues can get worse when, prior to and after menopausal changes.
Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it harder to identify 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 impulsive and disorganized.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilling lives. But it's crucial to find a provider who is knowledgeable about the disorder and understands how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative beliefs and thoughts that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy combines CBT with other therapeutic practices to enhance impulse control and self regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy helps people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve their interpersonal interactions.
Women with ADHD also have a tendency to struggle with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection which makes it harder for them to maintain relationships. This can lead to women with ADHD being more likely than others to engage in sexually dangerous 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 be a part of a group at work, at school or in other social situations. They may also find it difficult to read bodylanguage and pick up social signals.
Impatient
Women suffering from 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 up the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to fulfill their social obligations or stick to their commitments. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and a lack of self-control.
It is essential for women with ADHD to seek treatment when they are experiencing symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can make a difference in their lives and boost confidence and self-esteem. With changes in lifestyle as well as medication and therapy, it is possible to decrease or eliminate the symptoms.
A good night's sleep can reduce ADHD symptoms. A routine for bedtime and a reduction in the time you spend on screens at night, and eating on a regular basis can all aid in improving sleeping habits. A woman suffering from ADHD may also benefit from using blankets that are weighted or soothing music to help them fall asleep.
Depression, while not an indicator of ADHD, is common in women who suffer from the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating effects of untreated ADD or due to root causes like low self-esteem, low work performance and difficulty with relationships. Women with ADD are usually insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform as well as girls and women of the same age. They have difficulty socializing and a lack of ability to detect social cues can also contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for males. Doctors often mistakenly diagnose bipolar disorder in women as ADD symptoms. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy, as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transition, when hormones are changing.
It is also easier for women to hide their symptoms than it is for men and boys. It can be challenging to manage the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can cause stress, depression, and anxiety. It could 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 with ADHD.
Impulsive
You react quickly and without thinking when you have an impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait to be the first person to speak in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt other people or finish their sentences. It can also be difficult to determine the appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These behaviors can impact your ability to maintain a relationship or a job and make it hard to meet the expectations of family or friends.
Women who suffer from impulsive ADHD struggle with controlling their emotions. This can cause conflict in relationships and the workplace. They may feel that others are judging them or are disrespectful because they can't keep up or focus. They may be unable to finish tasks at work or at home, or they might misplace their wallet or keys. They might be prone to spending money on things that don't provide value or forget important dates and appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is especially relevant to their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretaries or cleaning services to help them deal with the disorganization that can cause them to miss appointments, forget to pay bills, or miss deadlines. They might be able to deal with their impulsive-type ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their family members than at the workplace.
Gender bias is one reason why women with 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.
Depression, which is often caused by or coexists with ADD is also the reason why a woman with an impulsive type of ADHD may not be diagnosed. Patients suffering from depression may find it difficult to control the impulsive behaviors that are associated with ADD. It can also be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. These impulsive symptoms may contribute to feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that women suffering from ADD have, which may be compounded by an absence of support from family members.
The following are some ways to lower your risk of contracting a disease:
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to those seen in depression. These symptoms can include feeling unworthy and low and having trouble sleeping or concentrating, and being irritable. Many times, the two disorders are combined and treated together by a physician. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. Your inability to concentrate and pay attention can lead to confusion and frustration that can lead to conflicts. In work or school settings, these problems can make colleagues and coworkers misinterpret your behavior as hostile, disinterest or lack of commitment.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it harder to diagnose depression and ADHD. They frequently alter their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being seen as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse, especially during the adolescent stage. conversational tone can also make it hard for them to recognize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems and delay receiving a proper diagnosis.
Within the same family, symptoms severity may differ. Certain people experience milder symptoms, and are referred to as high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
There are many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as neurocognitive therapy (NCP), and dialectical behavior therapy. These therapies can help improve self-regulation and impulse control. They also help you manage your emotions.
Additionally to that, there are a variety of drugs that 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 tell you more about the benefits and risks of these medications. They might be able to offer you other recommendations for coping with your symptoms. For example, you might try using an organizer and note-taking reminders and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You might also benefit from joining a women's ADHD support group.