ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't even realize. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in relationships and work.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency of 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 are different from men's and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inattention Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may struggle to keep on top of their obligations, like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and frequently miss work or social occasions or show up late to 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms can experience emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that is not addressed can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being capable of meeting social expectations can result in non-suicidal self-injury, which may appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these difficulties It's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression, which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Women with this type of disorder may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it difficult to realize that the problem is a mental illness, and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear aloof or oblivious to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes, miss interpret body language, or be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and might make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
To increase their concentration, it is essential for women suffering from inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Regular exercise can 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 lead to a messy home and difficulties in paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They tend to be bored or distracted easily and have trouble waiting for their turn in conversation. They are less likely than males and females to exhibit internalizing symptoms such as 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 common among boys and men. Health care professionals might not be aware of the symptoms in women or girls, or ignore them, attributing them to mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it harder to identify and assess these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a mature woman and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help you overcome negative thoughts, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by adhering to regular sleeping schedules exercise regularly, and eating a healthy diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles as hormone levels drop. During this period, try to stay on top of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You may also seek advice from your health care professional to adjust the dosage or type of your medications if necessary. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.
Symptoms of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this presentation of the condition also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live independently.
In a lot of cases, family friends, teachers, or even family members are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This results in girls and young women being overlooked. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopausal. In these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone increases. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can help improve focus and attention. It also helps release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks on a regular basis, establishing daily routines, and using organizational techniques. A support group may be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your techniques for dealing with stress. For some individuals, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individual, personalized guidance. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person recognize their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also develop communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than males. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender roles, which makes it difficult for teachers or parents to recognize when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues that make it less obvious to people who are around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms could affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. symptoms of adhd in adults and friends might be aware. Your boss or teacher may note that you have trouble finishing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always on the move, and you disrupt others, talk excessively, or say things that make no sense without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You may be irritable and experience mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may struggle to control your emotions, particularly during times of stress or trauma. You might react more strongly to criticism or start fights, even when the situation isn't a serious one. You might find it easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives with the right treatment. Consider 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 suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will help you better understand how your genes or brain activity can influence your ADHD symptoms.