adhd women uk and Women in Women
Girls and women who suffer from ADHD develop coping strategies to mask their symptoms. Some of these include establishing a daily routine and setting up phone reminders. They can also make use of bravado to buffer them from social isolation.
However, their coping strategies can become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid conditions including anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behaviours such as cutting.
Hyperactive or Hypoactive
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be inattentive and have a difficult time staying focused and tend to forget things. They may also have trouble organizing their personal and work lives, which could impact their work performance. They might miss appointments, not pay bills or procrastinate. They might have difficulty reading or doing math. These issues can get worse in the months prior to, and following menopause.
Many experts believe that it is more difficult for women and girls 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). Those behaviors can be perceived as unsocially acceptable particularly if they're chaotic or impulsive.
The good news is that it is possible for women with ADHD to lead full, happy and fulfilling lives. It is essential to select an expert who is knowledgeable about the disorder and how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which aids patients identify negative thoughts and beliefs that cause them to engage in problematic behaviors. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT along with other therapeutic methods to enhance impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy can help people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve their 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 which makes it harder for them to maintain relationships. This can mean that they are more likely to pursue casual sexual partners and engage in sexually risky behaviors or even have unplanned pregnancy.
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 make friends at work, school or other social settings. It can also be challenging for them to comprehend body language and recognize social cues.
Impatient
Women with ADHD often find it difficult to wait for something or feel a pressing need to get moving. This can make it difficult for them to accomplish tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning the house or paying bills. It may also be challenging for women to stay focused on their commitments as well as social interactions. They can also struggle with emotional outbursts and lack of self-control.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek assistance. Treatment can improve their lives and increase confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to reduce or eliminate symptoms by making modifications to lifestyle as well as therapy and medication.
A good night's sleep can reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping habits can be improved with a good bedtime routine and limiting the amount of screen time at night and eating on the schedule. Women with ADHD may also benefit from a weighted quilt or soothing music to help them sleep.
Depression, although not an indicator of ADHD is quite common among women with the condition. It may occur as a result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or because of the root causes like low self-esteem, poor work performance and difficulty in relationships. Women who suffer from ADD are usually lacking self-esteem due to their inability to perform well as girls and women who are the same age. Having difficulty with social interaction and an inability to pick up on social signals can contribute to their feelings of self-worthlessness.
It is more difficult for women to be diagnosed with ADD than it is for men. This is due to the fact that doctors often mistake the symptoms of ADD in women as signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is especially true during puberty, pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transitions when hormone levels are changing.
Women can also hide their symptoms more easily than men or boys. It can be challenging to manage the demands of society and ADHD symptoms. This can cause anxiety, depression, and stress. It may be a contributing factor to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is prevalent in teenagers and young women who suffer from ADHD.
Impulsive
You are quick and without thinking when you have the impulsive ADHD symptoms. You can't wait to get your turn in a conversation and are more likely to interrupt other people or finish their sentences. You may also be unable to judge the social appropriateness of your actions. These actions can impact your ability to maintain relationships or even a job and can make it hard to meet the expectations of family, friends and colleagues.
Women who suffer from impulsive-type ADHD frequently have difficulty managing their emotions and this can lead to more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel like others are judging them or are disrespectful because they're unable to keep pace or focus. They might not be able complete tasks at work or home, or misplace their wallet or keys. They could be at risk of spending money on items that aren't worth the money or they may forget important dates or appointments.
Women who suffer from ADHD are able to hide their symptoms. This is particularly relevant to their professional lives. They may have assistants, a secretary or cleaning services who help them deal with the chaos that can cause them to miss deadlines, forget appointments or pay their bills. They may find it easier to deal with their impulsive ADHD symptoms when they're at home and with their loved ones than in the workplace.
Gender bias is one of the reasons women with an impulsive type of 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.
Other reasons that a woman with impulsive-type ADHD might go undiagnosed include depression, which can coexist with or is caused by ADD. Depression sufferers may find it difficult to manage the impulsive behaviors that are characteristic of ADD. It can be difficult to deal with depression when impulsive behavior is present. The impulsive behavior can contribute to feeling of insecurity and self-doubt that some women with ADD suffer from, which can be compounded by the lack of support from family members.
The following are some ways to lower your risk:
Women who suffer from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those experienced in depression. This can include feeling depressed and depressed, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, or being irritable and easily angry. Doctors often combine both conditions and treat them together. Depression and ADD can also impact your relationships. In romantic or platonic partnerships, your trouble with focus and attention can create tension and confusion that may lead to conflict. These problems can lead to colleagues or coworkers not understanding your behaviour in school or work situations as a lack of interest, commitment or hostility.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms, making it more difficult to diagnose depression and ADHD. They alter their behavior to comply with social norms and avoid being labelled as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances, they turn to unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse, particularly during the adolescent stage. This can make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is the cause of their problems, and delay getting a correct diagnosis.
The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person even within the same family. Certain people have milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some sufferers have severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy and dialectical therapy for behavior. These therapies can aid in improving self-regulation and impulse control, and can teach you how to manage your emotions.
Additionally, there are a number 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 will be able to tell you more about these medications along with their advantages and potential risks. Your doctor may also have other suggestions for dealing with your symptoms. For instance, you could try using an organizer, writing down reminders, and taking notes during meetings to help you stay on track. You might also benefit from joining an women's ADHD support group.