ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have unique difficulties. If left untreated, the symptoms can create havoc in relationships and work life.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for girls and women to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. The increase in awareness has resulted in more adults receiving the care they need. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, often making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, returning calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and may often miss 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy habits, such as dieting or overeating. Teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their anger at not being able to meet their social expectations. This may be in the form of cutting or burning.
Because of these difficulties It's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to realize that their problems stem from mental health issues instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble understanding social cues, which can make them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may not be able to catch jokes, miss interpret body language, and be criticized as being rude or offensive. They may also have difficulties in controlling their impulses, so they may interrupt others or shout out insulting words.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to help improve their focus. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters that can aid 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 a messy house and to difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget about their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. 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 may 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. These symptoms are more prevalent in both men and boys. Health care professionals might not be aware of these symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, attributing them to mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms difficult to assess and detect for women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as an adult woman as well as taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced 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 however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group therapy for support.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and healthy eating can reduce symptoms. 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 worsen. During this period, try to stay on top of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You may also request to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you are taking if needed. Speak to your therapist about the challenges you face in dealing with your symptoms and how they impact you at work, home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents and 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 who suffer from this form of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live independently.
In many instances, family members or friends are the only ones who can notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. In the end, young women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Moreover the symptoms can change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can help improve attention and focus. adhd symptoms for women helps release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using organizational techniques. Support groups can be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance for certain. Some people with ADHD also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD might have symptoms that are different from those of men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender roles, which makes it difficult for parents or teachers to notice when girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be concealed by mental health issues or depression, making it harder to detect. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For example during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopausal.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can affect your school, work as well as marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your boss or teacher 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're constantly moving and disrupt others, talk excessively or make statements that are illogical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn and struggle to keep eye contact with other people. You can be impatient and experience mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may struggle to control your emotions, especially during times of stress or trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or start fights, even when the situation isn't a serious one. It may be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol consumption, or unhealthy eating patterns.
The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding the way your genes and brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.