ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't even realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in relationships and work.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those in men. They can be exacerbated due to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, usually making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may struggle with organization and find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments like paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and often miss meetings or be late to work or social events.
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 suffer emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
In the end, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and resort to unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. Some teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able meet social expectations. This could be in the form of cutting or burning.
It's not a surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem, which makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues. This can make them appear uninterested and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling with impulse control, which means they might interrupt others or blurt out offensive words.
To help improve their concentration, it's essential for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. They should also try to exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and may decrease mood swings.
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 an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They might also forget 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 than men and boys to experience internalizing symptoms like depression or anxiety.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because symptoms of adhd adult are more prevalent in boys and men, health care professionals may not look for these symptoms in women and girls or might ignore them, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and measure these symptoms in women.
There are a variety of methods to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is skilled in treating ADHD for women and girls is key. The type of therapy suggested will depend on the severity of your conditions and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you validate your experience and reframe negative patterns of thinking as well as family psychoeducation or group therapy for support.
For some, a consistent 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.
Menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this time, try to keep track of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You may also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you are taking as needed. Talk to your therapist about the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact you at work, home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents, pay bills or forget to make appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder could include interruptions to others, uttering answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In many instances, family members, friends, or teachers are the only ones to be able to recognize the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This leads to girls and young women not being diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes particularly during puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises. This makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and makes them worse. The symptoms can also change from day to day, based on estrogen and progesterone levels. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. what is it worth are accessible on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking, can help to increase focus and attention. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for the day, and using methods for organizing. A support group may be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance to those who have. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to become aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to have different symptoms than men. Finding and treating the problem for women can be complicated due to gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to recognize when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression, making it harder to detect. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women suffering from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends may observe that you have trouble adhering to instructions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might note that you have trouble getting tasks completed 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 are restless, always on the move and interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You are irritable and frequently exhibit mood swings that can be hard for your close family and friends to accept.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. You may find it easier to deal 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 make a difference in their lives by getting the proper treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor with expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.