Most people have a preconceived misperception about women with ADHD. Because of the stereotypical view that ADHD only manifests in hyperactive boys, many women are either not diagnosed for years or are diagnosed only after adulthood. These women may need some help to cope with their symptoms, or they may be destined to be a successful career woman with ADHD. There are numerous methods and treatments for women with ADHD. Here are some tips on how to deal with women with ADHD:
Since ADHD affects the whole brain, symptoms can start in childhood and worsen as you grow older. Women with ADHD are likely to have different symptoms from those in men. They may have difficulty sleeping, become overly sensitive or overprotective, suffer from mood swings, or be constantly angry. Some women will have more serious symptoms like hyperactivity and substance abuse than those in men. It's important to discuss symptoms with your physician and obtain a proper diagnosis before you choose treatments for these problems.
Women with ADHD will also exhibit signs of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. If you think you might have ADHD, you should visit your physician and discuss the symptoms that you are facing. Once properly diagnosed, you can begin treatment. The most common treatment is stimulant medication. Ritalin is the most common prescription medication used to treat ADHD. Your physician will be able to tell you whether you should be treated with psychostimulants (counselor drugs) or not.
If you are an adult woman, you will need some extra care because of your particular situation. Women tend to be much more sensitive to caffeine and other additives found in diet sodas and coffee compared to men. Caffeine can be addictive and have serious withdrawal side effects. Consider these tips if you are adult women with ADHD:
Reduce your consumption of sugar and foods that are high in calories such as candies, cakes, cookies and pies. Reduce your consumption of tea, coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks. Exercise regularly to prevent boredom and improve focus and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Use a metronome to time your activities instead of simply rushing through them. Practicing simple exercises such as yoga and meditation can also help.
If you are a child with ADHD, you know how disruptive your school performance can be. ADHD behaviors make it difficult to stay on task, concentrate, pay attention, or stay on the right track. Children with ADHD may often engage in temper tantrums when their demands are not met. Some children with ADHD may also start to lose their temper easily.
Women with ADHD have to contend with many of the same symptoms as men. Just as they have difficulty staying on task and focused, they also feel the need to control people around them. This can cause them to lash out emotionally. There are some women with ADHD who end up doing very poorly in school, but they have to take into consideration that the lack of control and anger may lead to dangerous actions.
In addition to feeling angry and controlling people around them, women with ADHD may have a low self-esteem. They may see themselves as useless and worthless. There are signs in women with ADHD that indicate low self-esteem and even depression. Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of worthlessness and inability to concentrate. ADHD women that suffer from low self-esteem often have difficulty making friends and often get into conflicts with friends and family.
They are also less likely to do well in competitive or high pressure situations. Because of their inattention and hyperactivity, they may feel the need to be the leader in everything. Women with ADHD are less likely to be good followers and often become more irritable when things do not go their way. They may feel less confident about participating in social activities.
Women with ADHD are not considered by most health care providers to have the same kind of health risks as males with ADHD. However, women with ADHD are more likely to develop complications during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women with ADHD are also more likely to develop substance abuse problems and have an increased risk of depression. Women with ADHD should work closely with their primary care physician and their psychologist to determine if their symptoms are appropriate for treatment. If women with ADHD have a co-occurring illness such as diabetes, hypertension, or ovarian disease, their physician should consider a diagnosis of combined type ADHD.
If you would like some further guidance and support on managing your ADHD, then you should contact your local experienced ADHD specialist for an in-depth ADHD assessment to improve your understanding of the disorder and to know what treatment method is fit for you or them.