Women face a variety of difficulties in managing ADHD. This is largely because they typically face greater pressure to meet societal expectations and standards. Women are more adept at concealing their signs.
High-functioning ADHD is when your symptoms don't greatly impact your daily life. Treatment for adult ADHD can improve relationships, school and work performance, and self-esteem.
Medicines
Stimulants increase brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine, which regulate attention and impulses. Teenagers, children and adults can be prescribed stimulants. Every drug has adverse effects, and a lot of people have to test various options before finding one that works. Talk to your doctor about these and make sure to mention any you have encountered.
Nonstimulants aren't as frequently prescribed for ADHD however, they can be used if stimulants cause side effects or don't work. Medications like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Qelbree (viloxazine) increase the levels of norepinephrine. It transmits messages between brain cells and may enhance concentration and impulse control. They are part of a class called selective norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, which are antidepressants. These medications can also provide a calming effect that can reduce depression and hyperactivity in some children and teenagers.
They are less likely to be misused and develop addiction than stimulants, however they carry certain risks. They can impact the growth of children and teens and can increase blood pressure as well as heart rates, and can make sleeping difficult. They can also negatively affect teens' moods and trigger them to have suicidal feelings.
Sleep problems are common among those with ADHD. Insufficient sleep can cause more symptoms. Even if you're tired it is important to adhere to a regular routine of rest. Talk to your doctor when you're having difficulty getting to sleep or feeling groggy.
Some people who are taking stimulants have an "rebound effect" when the drug wears off around the end of the day. The symptoms can recur and be more severe for a while until the dosage is adjusted or a different drug is attempted.
Psychotherapy can assist adults with ADHD find ways to cope with their symptoms as well as manage stress and anger as well as improve time management and ability to organize, and work towards goals. BetterHelp, for example, offers online therapy or in-person therapy. Marriage and family therapy can help couples and families face the issues that ADHD creates in their relationships, like conflict over money problems and forgotten responsibilities.
Counseling
Treatment for girls and women with ADHD often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. These behavioral treatments can assist in addressing the specific problems that females suffering from adhd in women treatment confront in their daily lives, including difficulties in family and interpersonal relationships as well as co-occurring depression and anxiety. They can also enhance job performance and satisfaction.
If you are seeking professional assistance for your ADHD needs, it is crucial to find a therapist who is familiar with the disorder and is aware of its effects on females. A therapist who has experience treating ADHD in females can help you overcome stigma and create strategies to manage your symptoms. In addition, a counselor can help you establish realistic goals and work towards them. A therapist can also teach you how to improve your social skills and navigate difficult situations.
Many people with ADHD cannot recognize their symptoms. As a result, it can be difficult for them to find the right treatment. Some of the symptoms include difficulty paying attention or keeping track of time, difficulty following through on tasks, and issues with organizational skills. Other symptoms could include impulsivity, inability to read social cues and issues with emotional regulation.
People with ADHD often feel embarrassed by their issues and cover them with negative self-talk or rely on productivity tools to compensate for poor time management skills. This can cause anxiety and frustration. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to meet their goals in life and career and are at risk of becoming burnout due to miscommunications and problems at work. They may also experience strained relationships at home and work.
Women and girls with ADHD tend to be less impulsive or hyperactive than boys. Many women and girls with ADHD still have some of the same problems as boys, including trouble at home and in school as well as low self-esteem as well as issues with relationships with peers and co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression. Some girls and women who are not treated for ADHD might engage in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. This could include things like scratching or burning themselves.
Being diagnosed with inattentive adhd in adult women is the first step to find relief. Talking therapies can offer practical solutions to face the challenges associated with the condition, like better communication and a more positive outlook. They can help you develop effective coping techniques for dealing with the challenges, including making use of apps for planning and scheduling, as well as setting up routines.
Therapy
While medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD Psychotherapy can also be beneficial. Therapists can help you learn how to improve your time management, organization and relationships, and help you cope with the negative effects of this condition. They can also help you identify and manage any mood-related issues that might contribute to your ADHD symptoms. Additionally, a therapist can provide support and understanding women with adhd to your family members.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a hard dealing with the effects of their condition on their personal and professional life. This can result in issues with finances, school and work, as well as marriage and relationships. If not treated, ADHD can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
While many people with ADHD experience the inattentive adhd in women subtype of the disorder, others struggle with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. You must exhibit six or more symptoms for at least six consecutive months to be diagnosed. Hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are more common in men and boys than in girls and women, although they are still quite prevalent in both groups.
Certain people suffering from ADHD tend to cause harm to themselves. Self-injury can manifest as self-cutting or burning. This behavior is not uncommon for adolescents and children suffering from ADHD and may be a sign of other disorders like anorexia, bulimia, or addiction. NSSI is by far the most prevalent kind of self-harm in young girls suffering from ADHD.
Researchers believe that sex is a key reason for the emergence of ADHD in women and girls. It is thought that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle as well as pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause can affect how the disorder presents and responds to treatment. Gender is not determined by biological factors; it is a social construct that refers to an internal sense of being male, female or a nonbinary something else. Verywell Health acknowledges sex and gender as being closely related, but not in the same. Sex is determined by the person's chromosomes and gender is their internal sense of being male, female or a different category.
Self-help
Women with ADHD are better at hiding their symptoms, which makes it more difficult to diagnose or treat them. Symptoms include being late to work or meetings, missing deadlines, being easily distracted, not listening to other people when they speak, or not remembering important dates. These issues can negatively impact relationships, work performance and school grades if not addressed.
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD have been described as having "high-functioning" which isn't a medical term. This means that, even though their symptoms might not significantly impact their lives, they still struggle with everyday tasks and are unable to perform at school or at work. Diagnoses can boost self-esteem, and allow people to recognize their challenges.
It's important to understand that you can also discover strategies to manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. You can make use of a planner to organize your responsibilities. You can also make notes during meetings and create reminders on your phone. Physical activity can be beneficial to ADHD sufferers as it relieves anxiety and releases neurotransmitters that improve focus.
For some, it's helpful to seek out counseling for their ADHD. Therapists can teach behavioral strategies for managing time and organizing as well as offer support and guidance. They can also assist you to identify thinking distortions that lead to negative moods and perceptions of limitations in your abilities.
It can take time to receive a diagnosis, but the results can be worth the wait. You can be more successful in your relationships, career and in your life by altering your lifestyle, incorporating therapy, and taking medicines.
Women who suffer from ADHD can feel frustrated and snubbed by their colleagues, family members and friends due to their challenges. They may also find it difficult to live up to social expectations of how they should dress, behave or appear. This can result in a sense of low self-esteem and can be exacerbated by signs of ADHD such as mood swings.