ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique problems. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in relationships and work.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to camouflage their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. However, increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from men's and are often aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble keeping on track, completing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep on top of their obligations like paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and are often late for work or social events or arrive late for meetings.
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 experience emotional distress. This could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and resort to unproductive strategies to cope like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating more or dieting. Teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their frustration at not being able to meet their social expectations. This can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these challenges, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are 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 issues stem from a mental health condition rather than being their blame.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals. This can make them appear uninterested and oblivious. They might miss jokes, miss interpret body language, or be accused of being rude or offensive. They may be unable to control their impulses and may blurt out hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their concentration. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which may help with concentration.
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 difficulty paying bills on time. They may also 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 to display the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which can be more prevalent in boys and men.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common in boys and men, health care professionals may not look for them in girls and women or might ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it harder to identify and measure the symptoms of women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of therapy you are recommended for will be based on your specific symptoms and your lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help identify your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or group therapy for support.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by observing a regular sleep schedule exercise regularly, and eating a healthy diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period, try to keep track of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, track 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 needed. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with your family members and partner.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents, pay bills or forget to make appointments. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live a life of their own.
In add symptoms adults , the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones observed by family or teachers. As a result, young women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias and the tendency of people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. At these times estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise. This can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms tend to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking, can help to increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing strategies for organization. A support group may be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the patient to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose the condition. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less apparent to others close to you. The symptoms can also change in accordance in response to hormones, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by inattention. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. add symptoms adults could affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions and keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might be aware that you are struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always in motion, you disrupt others, talk too much or make up nonsense without thinking about what you're saying. You're unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are irritable and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be hard for your closest family and friends to accept.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or even start fights, even when the situation is not serious. You might find it easier to manage these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity might affect your ADHD symptoms.