ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique challenges. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in work and relationships.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms can cause underdiagnosis. The increased awareness has led to more people receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men, and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Inattention Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may struggle with organization and may have difficulty to keep on top of their obligations such as paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and can often skip 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 experience emotional distress, which can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety.
The challenges of living with ADHD that is not treated can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. Some 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, burning, or scratching.
Due to these issues it's no surprise that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition they may suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to realize that their issues stem from an illness of the mind instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have difficulties in interpreting social cues. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may miss jokes, misread body language, or be criticized as being rude or offensive. They might also have issues with impulse control, so they may interrupt others or shout out offensive words.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep each night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to help improve their concentration. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which can 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 an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which may 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. These symptoms are more common for both genders. Health professionals may not pay attention to them in girls or women, or ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and quantify these symptoms in women.
There are many ways to deal with ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific symptoms and your lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking as well as family psychoeducation or group therapy for support.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this period, try to stay on top of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You can also request to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you're taking as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents, 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 form of the disorder may also have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.
In many cases, family, friends, or teachers are the only ones who can notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. In the end, young women and girls suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency of people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially in puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. signs adhd makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can improve focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people suffering from ADHD. Taking regular breaks, setting up daily routines and using organizational strategies are other ways to better manage ADHD. A support group can be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your strategies for coping. For some, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to recognize their behavior and how it impacts other people. They may also improve their communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for parents or teachers to determine if girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can be disguised by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less evident to others close to you. The symptoms can also change in response to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can affect your school, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty adhering to instructions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may observe that you are having trouble getting tasks completed on time or have difficulty 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 disrupt others, talk excessively, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You can't wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You can be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may struggle to control your emotions, especially in times of stress or trauma. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more likely to engage in fights, even when the situation isn't particularly serious. It may be easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior, like drug and alcohol drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
The appropriate treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. You may want to consider working with a life-management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out 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 the way your genes or brain activity could influence your ADHD symptoms.