ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique challenges. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and at work life.
The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. However, the increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men. They can be worsened because of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may struggle with organization and may find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and often miss meetings or show up late to 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This could lead to bad relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
In the end, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors like eating too much and dieting. Some young girls and teenagers might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration at not being able to meet social expectations. This can be done by cutting or burning.
Because of these challenges It's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety, which can make it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to realize that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being the result of their own responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social cues. This could cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes or misunderstand body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they might disrupt others or utter offensive phrases.
To improve their concentration, it's essential for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters that can aid 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 result in an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They might forget appointments or the names of family and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than boys and men to exhibit internalizing symptoms like depression or anxiety.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Health care professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women, or ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms harder to assess and detect in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood, including taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD for women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help you reframe negative thought patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
attention deficit disorder symptoms adults of ADHD are exacerbated during menopausal changes when hormone levels decrease. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask to have your doctor modify the dosage or the type of medication you're taking if needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty getting things done at home. The symptoms of this type of the disorder could include interruptions to others, uttering answers, and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder may also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones observed by family or teachers. This leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and can cause them to worsen. Additionally the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can be utilized to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can increase focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, creating routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organizing are some other methods to manage ADHD. A support group can also be beneficial in developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the patient to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women with ADHD can exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. The disorder may be disguised by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less evident to people close to you. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women with ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD can impact your schoolwork, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't getting tasks completed in time or have trouble staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always in motion, you disrupt other people, speak too loudly or say nonsensical things without being aware of what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You might be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly during times of stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the situation is not serious. It may be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work with a life-management coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a professional who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.