ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc on relationships and work life.
The reason for this is gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to cover up their symptoms. The increased awareness has resulted in more adults getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men. They can be made worse because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, usually making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may struggle to keep the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and can often skip meetings or show up late for work or social activities.
The symptoms of inattentive type ADHD are less noticeable than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms in boys and men, so it's possible that women and girls who have these symptoms don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
As a result, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, like eating too much or losing weight. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these challenges It's not surprising that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety, which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to acknowledge that their issues are caused by a mental health condition rather than being the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and even be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling with impulse control, which means they might interrupt others or blurt out hurtful phrases.
To increase their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters, which can help in focusing.
Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Women and adolescent girls with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD can find it hard to concentrate or organize. This can lead to a messy home and difficulties in paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than boys and men to exhibit internalizing symptoms like anxiety or depression.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more prevalent in both men and boys. Health care professionals may not be attentive to them in girls or women or disregard them, blaming them on mental health issues or stereotypes. signs of adhd are also skewed toward male behavior, making it difficult to detect and quantify these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as an adult woman, including taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the severity of the symptoms and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and assist you to reframe negative thought patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by observing regular sleeping schedules exercise regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this period, try to stay on top of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You may also request that your doctor adjust the dosage or type of medication you are taking as required. Talk to your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life at home, work and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments or documents, fail to pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. signs of adhd with this type of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live independently.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones observed by family or teachers. This can lead to girls and young women not being diagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are influenced by hormone fluctuations particularly during puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. During these periods, estrogen decreases and progesterone levels rise. This can make ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. Moreover the symptoms are likely to change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medication to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and online.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming or running can help increase focus and attention. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress which are common among those suffering from ADHD. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing organizational techniques. A support group can also be helpful for developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. For certain people, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individual, individualized guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts others. They may also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that are different from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression, making it harder to recognize. The symptoms can also fluctuate in response to hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women with ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends might be aware. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing tasks in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly moving around and interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that make no sense without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with other people. You are impatient and often exhibit mood swings that can be difficult for your closest friends and family to tolerate.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly in times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. It could be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol addiction or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. You may want to consider working with a life management coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women with this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genes or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.