ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and relationships.
The reason for this is gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. The increase in awareness has led to more adults receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from men's and can be exacerbated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may find it difficult to keep track of their obligations such as paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments and often miss social or work-related events or arrive late for 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms can experience emotional anxiety. This can result in poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
As a result, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, like eating more or dieting. For some girls, especially teenagers, the stress of not being capable of meeting social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's not surprising that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to realize that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They might miss jokes or misunderstand body language and be criticized for being rude or offensive. They may also struggle with impulse control and might make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
To help improve their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough sleep every night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which can help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and may reduce 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 result in a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They tend to be easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely than males and females to experience internalizing symptoms like anxiety or depression.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Health professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women or disregard these symptoms, and blame them on mental health issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, making it difficult to recognize and measure these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and assist you to change negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
For some, a regular 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.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time it is important to keep track of your symptoms and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking if needed. Talk to your therapist regarding the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Symptoms of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in working and at school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder may also include interruptions to others, uttering answers and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family or teachers. This leads to girls and young women being overlooked. Gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and exacerbates them. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, based on estrogen and progesterone levels. This can lead incorrect diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also be utilized to treat the symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running can help improve focus and attention. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people with ADHD. Making sure to take regular breaks, creating routines for the day and implementing strategies for organizing are some other methods to manage ADHD. Support groups can be extremely helpful in learning about changes in lifestyles and coping techniques. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance for certain. People with ADHD may also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD might have symptoms that are different than those of males. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender role expectations, which can make it harder for teachers or parents to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be concealed by depression or mental health issues which makes it difficult to detect. The symptoms can also fluctuate according to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your work, school, marriages, and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your teacher or boss may observe that you are having trouble finishing tasks 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 moving and can interrupt others, talk too much or make comments that make no sense without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You're impatient and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be difficult for your closest family and friends to accept.
It may be difficult to control your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to start fights, even when the situation isn't threatening. It could be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
The right treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. female add symptoms may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.