This Is The History Of ADHD Symptoms For Women In 10 Milestones
ADHD Symptoms For Women
Girls and women with ADHD can experience a variety of symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and anxiety. These symptoms are less apparent for women and girls than they are in males and boys. This can lead to a misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis.
Women can also find their symptoms aggravated due to hormonal changes like during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal (the four years leading up to menopause). ADHD treatment that includes lifestyle and medication can help improve relationships and prepare people for success at home and at work.
Inattentiveness
People with inattention ADHD are not able to keep up with their daily demands. They might forget to wash the laundry or empty the trash bins, and they may have trouble keeping pace in conversations.
add symptoms adults might leave work documents on their desks and fail to clean up laundry or empty trash cans, and have trouble keeping pace during conversations. Their homes are often cluttered and not cleaned. They are susceptible to making mistakes that are not considered to be correct and could have costly consequences.
Females with inattentive ADHD also have more difficulty managing social rejection and academic underachievement as compared to their peers. They may develop dysfunctional ways of coping, such as self-harming behavior and an inability to keep friendships or access peer support. This can cause emotional distress and a low mood. They may compensate for these difficulties with a strong confidence that can result in high-risk behaviors such as drug or alcohol consumption, prostitution or involvement in gangs.
For adults, it may be difficult to determine ADHD since symptoms can change in time. It's crucial to undergo a a complete medical and mental assessment so that a skilled healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnose. They'll look at the person's current and past behavior, as well as childhood experiences. They'll also check for other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like stress and anxiety, mineral deficiency, hearing or sight issues, sleep disorders, cognitive decline, learning disabilities, allergies, and certain medications.

Treatment options for adults with inattentive ADHD include psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications. The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants like dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. They help improve concentration and decrease impulses. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine or clonidine can be used if stimulants are not effective or cause adverse side effects. Therapy can also help adults with inattention ADHD alter their surroundings and learn coping skills to minimize their symptoms. They may benefit from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps them reframe negative thought patterns and manage their emotions. Adults can also benefit from an individual life coach or ADHD Coach, who will help them set up a schedule and realistic expectations.
Hyperactivity
Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time feeling accepted, and may struggle to comprehend the impact that their symptoms have on their life. They may find it difficult to stay focused or organized, which can cause problems at school and work as well as in their personal lives. They are also more likely to be suffering from other ailments, such as anxiety or depression. These comorbidities could directly impact their symptoms, and how they manage those symptoms.
Because of the manner in which ADHD affects women and girls and women, they can suffer from low self-esteem and have trouble maintaining friendships. This can make it more difficult for them to seek help because they are less likely to be referred by teachers or parents. The scales for rating that are used to diagnose ADHD tend to favor male behavior. Women also have the ability to mask their symptoms, which could result in them not being diagnosed and untreated.
Another issue is that the symptoms of adhd may vary from day to day, especially during hormonal changes, like the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Hormones can also have an direct effect on certain parts of the mind including executive functions, memory of words and sleep, as well as concentration.
For instance, estrogen decreases following ovulation and in the middle of the menstrual cycle, while progesterone increases. This combination can exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Girls and young women who suffer from ADHD are more impulsive, impatient and more prone to a conflict in their relationships. They are more likely to engage in sexual interactions with people they don't know and have a hard time asserting their rights. They may also be at greater risk of sexual abuse or domestic violence because they do not have contraception.
Adhd sufferers and their daughters may find effective coping techniques that will help them to manage the symptoms. They can also benefit from therapy, which can include cognitive behavioral therapy to learn how to comprehend their thoughts and feelings and swap out negative behaviors to healthier ones. In certain situations, doctors might suggest couples therapy or family therapy to address the difficulties that women and girls with ADHD are experiencing in their relationships.
Impulsivity
Girls and women with ADHD are more likely to struggle with managing their emotions. This may manifest as mood swings and difficulties managing stress or criticism. It may also manifest as vulnerability to sexual abuse and other forms of victimization. They may also be more likely to experience sexual issues, including sexual promiscuity or a greater risk of unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. In turn, females suffering from ADHD tend to be more likely to seek treatment as they grow older.
The same impulsive signs that boys and men with ADHD experience may also be observed in girls and women with the disorder, such as being fidgety, constantly in motion, disruptive or restless, talking excessively and making quick decisions without considering them. These issues can cause them to be aggressive, rude and engaging in risky behavior. Some women and girls who suffer from ADHD are also prone to nonsuicidal harming themselves (NSSI) which could include burning, cutting, or scratching. This is especially true during adolescence.
Many women and girls suffering from ADHD can hide these signs even though they make it difficult to cope at school or at work. This can make them appear more diligent, or perfectionists. It can also prevent people from noticing that they are easily distracted or have difficulty staying focused. Some women with ADHD develop unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking alcohol or drugs to cover their difficulties.
Rating scales used to diagnose ADHD are still skewed toward male behaviors, which could cause under-diagnosis for girls or women. The symptoms may not be identified as being connected to ADHD and can be internalized, resulting in feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
For adults and teens with ADHD A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables whole grains as well as healthy fats and protein can boost your mood and focus. Regular exercise can help improve focus and concentration and release good neurotransmitters that reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It can be helpful to talk with a registered dietitian to create an appropriate plan for each individual.
Anxiety
Anxiety is normal, but when it becomes out of control, and interferes with your daily life it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by unease, distress and excessive fear in normal or benign situations. They can be present even when there's little or any reason to worry and cause physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches or a rapid heartbeat. Anxiety disorders are twice as common in women than males, and they can affect work and personal relationships.
add symptoms adults can also affect how you deal with your ADHD and anxiety. Many women who suffer from both ADHD and anxiety experience mood swings that can be thought of by others as "overly emotional." This could lead to social issues, such as strained relationships or unfulfilling jobs. Mood swings may also make it difficult to sleep which can cause anxiety symptoms to worsen.
The symptoms of anxiety and ADHD can be more obvious at certain times in your life based on your gender, age and hormone levels. For instance, if an adult woman with ADHD the symptoms may fluctuate throughout the month, or during pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal changes. ADHD symptoms can be more evident during menstrual cycles or when you're under stress such as the breakup of a relationship or job loss, or major life events.
To reduce the symptoms of ADHD and anxiety, try sleeping at the same time each night and establish a time when you wake up. Try listening to soothing music or meditation before you go to bed and limit screen time to enhance your sleep quality. A healthy diet can help ease anxiety and ADHD symptoms. Try removing foods that cause allergies or sensitivities. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins. Exercise can also help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and ADHD. Try to exercise 30 minutes per day or use the light box to increase your exposure to sunlight.