ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique challenges. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in the workplace and in relationships.
The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. The increased awareness has led to more people getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, usually 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 and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or arrive 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, which can lead to poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and resort to unproductive strategies to cope that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors such as eating less and gaining weight. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being in a position to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's not surprising that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from a mental health condition instead of being their blame.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues. This can cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They might be unable to control their impulses and may blurt out insulting remarks or interrupt others.
To help improve their concentration, it is essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. 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 clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which can be more frequent in men and boys.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common for both genders healthcare professionals may not recognize them in women or girls or might ignore them, blaming them to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, making it harder to identify and assess these symptoms in women.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD among girls and women is crucial. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help overcome negative thoughts and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
For some, a consistent sleep routine, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause as hormone levels drop. During this time you must keep track of your symptoms and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also consult your doctor to adjust the dosage or type of your medications if needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work at home, at work, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women with mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder may also include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also experience problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live independently.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family or teachers. As a result, girls and young women with ADHD are not diagnosed. click this link and the tendency of those with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. At these times estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and makes them worse. 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 combined with medication to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counselling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming or running can help improve focus and attention. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people suffering from ADHD. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for the day, and using strategies for organization. Support groups can be very beneficial in learning about changes in lifestyles and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized, individual guidance for some. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person recognize their behavior and how it affects other people. They can also develop communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms that differ from men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for parents or teachers to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be hidden by depression or mental health issues, making it harder to identify. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You lose things, have trouble remembering details and tend to get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms could affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends could be aware that you are having difficulty following directions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may observe that you are having trouble completing tasks in time or have trouble staying focused during 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 struggle to keep eye contact with other people. You can be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly in times of trauma or stress. You might react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the issue isn't serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives with the right treatment. You may want to consider working with a life coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from an experienced counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes and brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.