It's The Myths And Facts Behind Add And ADHD In Women
ADD and Women in Women Women and girls with ADHD often develop coping strategies to disguise their symptoms. Some of these include creating an everyday routine and establishing phone reminders. They can also use bravado to ward off social isolation. Their coping mechanisms may become unsustainable. They could also develop comorbid disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and self-harming behavior like cutting. Hyperactive or Hypoactive Women who suffer from ADHD tend to have the inattentive subtype which makes it more difficult for them to stay focused on tasks and more likely to forget things. They may also have difficulty managing their personal and professional lives, which may affect their work performance. They might not attend appointments, or fail to pay bills and can be susceptible to procrastination. They may have trouble reading or doing math. These problems may get worse during, before and after menopausal changes. Experts believe that women and girls are more adept at concealing their symptoms, making it difficult to recognize 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 could be viewed as unsocially acceptable particularly if they're impulsive or disorganized. The good news is that it is possible for women suffering from ADHD to live happy, full and satisfying lives. It is essential to select a provider that is familiar with the disorder and understands how it affects women. Treatment options include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which helps patients recognize negative thoughts and beliefs that can trigger problematic behavior. Neurocognitive psychotherapy is a combination of CBT with other therapeutic practices to improve impulse control and self-regulation. Dialectical behavior therapy assists people develop strategies for managing their emotions and improve interpersonal interactions. Women with ADHD are also often afflicted with sensitivity to rejection, which is an intense emotional reaction to real or perceived rejection that makes it more difficult to keep relationships. This can result in women who suffer from ADHD being more likely than other people to engage in sexually dangerous behaviors, get pregnant without planning or seek out 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 hard to fit in at work, school or other social situations. It is also difficult for them to read body language and understand social cues. Impatient Women suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time waiting for something or feel a pressing need to complete the task. This makes it difficult to complete tasks like cooking dinner, cleaning up the house or paying bills. Women may also have difficulty to keep their social commitments or follow through with their commitments. Women may also experience emotional outbursts, or be lacking of self-control. It is crucial for women suffering from ADHD to seek help when they experience symptoms of the disorder. Treatment can help improve their lives and increase their confidence and self-esteem. It is also possible to minimize or eliminate symptoms with modifications to lifestyle treatment, therapy and medications. A good night's rest can reduce ADHD symptoms. Sleeping blog can be improved with following a routine for bedtime and limiting the amount of screen time at night, and eating according to the schedule. Women suffering from ADHD could also benefit from a weighted quilt or relaxing music to help them sleep. Depression is a common occurrence among women suffering from ADHD although it's not an indication of the condition. It could be the result of the debilitating consequences of untreated ADD or due to underlying issues like low self-esteem, poor work performance, and difficulties with relationships. adhd in women adults who suffer from ADD are usually insecure about their self-esteem because of their inability to perform well as women and girls of the same age. Inability to recognize social cues and difficulties with social interactions can contribute to feelings of self-worthlessness. Women may have a tougher time getting diagnosed with ADD. This is because doctors often make the mistake of interpreting the symptoms of ADD in women for signs more typical of bipolar disorder. This is particularly true during puberty and pregnancy as well as during menopausal perimenopausal transition when hormones are undergoing changes. Women can also hide their symptoms easier than boys or men. In addition there are many expectations for women that can be stressful when juggling with symptoms of ADHD. This can lead anxiety, depression, and anxiety. It could also contribute to the development of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) which is common in teens and young women with ADHD. Impulsive If you're suffering from impulsive type ADHD symptoms you're quick to make decisions without thinking. You don't want to wait for your turn in a conversation, and are more likely to interrupt others or interrupt them in their conversation. It can also be difficult to judge appropriateness of your actions in the context of social situations. These behaviors can affect the ability to sustain 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 controlling their emotions which can cause more conflict in relationships and at work. They may feel that others are unkind or apathetic because they are unable to keep up or concentrate. They may not be able to complete tasks at work or home or even lose their keys or wallet. They might be prone to spending money on items that don't add value or they might forget important dates and appointments. Some women who have ADHD are able to conceal their symptoms, particularly in their professional lives. They might have assistants, secretary or cleaning services who can help them cope with the disorganization which can cause them to not meet deadlines, miss appointments or pay bills. It may be easier for them to deal with their impulse-driven ADHD symptoms at home with their family and friends than at the office. Gender bias is one reason why women suffering from 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. Other reasons women suffering from an impulsive type of ADHD may not be recognized is depression, which often coexists with or is caused by ADD. People suffering from depression might have difficulty in attempting to manage the impulsive behavior that come with ADD. It is also difficult to treat depression when impulsive behavior is present. The impulsive behavior can contribute to the feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt that some women with ADD have, which may be exacerbated by an absence of support from loved ones. Depression Women with ADHD can have symptoms similar to those experienced in depression. The symptoms may include feeling unworthy and low as well as difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and being angry. In many cases, the two disorders are combined and treated together by a doctor. Depression and ADD can also affect your relationships with others. In romantic or platonic partnerships your issues with focus and attention can create tension and confusion that may lead to conflict. In school or work settings These issues can make colleagues and coworkers think that your behavior is a sign of hostility, disinterest, or lack of commitment. Depression and ADHD in women are more difficult to identify than males because women are more adept in hiding their symptoms. They frequently alter their behavior to fit in with society expectations and avoid being judged as weak or emotionally unstable. In some instances they may resort to unhealthy ways of coping, such as excessive alcohol and substance use, especially in the adolescent stage. This could make it difficult for them to recognize that their ADHD is the cause of their issues, and can delay receiving a proper diagnosis. Symptom severity can differ from one person to another, even within the same family. Certain people have milder symptoms that are called high-functioning ADHD. Some suffer from severe symptoms that affect their lives. The good news is that there are treatment options for adults with ADHD which include cognitive behavior therapy, neurocognitive psychotherapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. These treatments can help improve self-regulation, impulse control, and help you manage your emotions. In addition, there are a number of medications that are 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, clonidine, and guanfacine. Your doctor can provide more about these drugs, including their benefits and dangers. Your doctor might also offer other suggestions to help you manage your symptoms. Planners can be used to stay on top of things, or take notes during meetings and write down reminders. You may also benefit from joining an ADHD support group for women.