We already know that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, but what we didn’t know so far, and what studies have recently shown, is that girls are just as likely to suffer from ADHD but it goes undiagnosed due to gender-bias, where symptoms of shyness and impulsiveness are put down to personality traits. Another reason why girls are not diagnosed in earlier years is that they are better able to mask their symptoms with coping strategies.
While men externalise ADHD in the form of aggression, women often internalise it and it presents itself as depression and anxiety, inattention, and occasionally, verbal aggression. Women face the same symptoms of being overwhelmed and exhausted.
Paper-clutter, over-spending, disorganisation, indecision – sound familiar? If you have been suffering un-diagnosed ADHD, you may be experiencing co-existing conditions like substance abuse, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, mood disorders and eating disorders.
The symptoms are also exacerbated by hormonal changes such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
You will have trouble focusing on activities that require sustained mental effort and also frequently misplace common things such as phone, keys, wallet, etc. Forgetting appointments or returning calls is also common. Trouble making realistic or manageable plans and procrastination are other issues that occur.
You may also have difficulty regulating your emotions, talk excessively, answer questions before they are asked and have trouble waiting turns or waiting in line.
Low self-esteem is also a key issue. Difficulties coping with everyday life, feeling a lack of control over things, and may have problems with headaches, stomach aches and sleep. Difficulties in relationships and communication are also common.
There are a range of therapies for ADHD and medications available but at the Brain Collective we offer, a non-invasive, drug free approach to train your brain to negate symptoms of ADHD via neurofeedback therapy.
For more information, a free telephone consultation and a friendly chat, call us on 01423 565522. www.thebraincollective.co.uk