ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have unique challenges. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and at work life.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to hide their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. The increased awareness has led to more people getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from men's and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattention ADHD might have trouble staying on task performing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may struggle to keep track of their obligations such as paying bills returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and frequently miss social or work-related events or show up 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. Many people who don't get treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress. This could lead to bad relationships as well as co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, like eating more or dieting. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration at not being able to meet social expectations. This could take the form of cutting or burning.
It's not surprising that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This can make it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty understanding social cues, which can make them appear distant or unobservant to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They may also have difficulties with impulse control, which means they may disrupt others or utter offensive words.
To increase their concentration, it's essential for women suffering from inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also try to exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and can 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 result in a messy house and to difficulty paying bills on schedule. They might also forget their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are often easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn in a conversation. symptoms of adhd are less likely than males and females to exhibit internalizing symptoms, such as 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 in both men and boys. Health professionals may not pay attention to these symptoms in women or girls, or ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mood disorders or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to measure and identify for women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman, including taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is skilled in treating ADHD in women and girls is crucial. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your symptoms and your lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns Psychoeducation for the family, or help with group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by following regular sleeping schedules, exercising 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 worsen during menopause when hormone levels fall. During this period, try to keep track of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You may also consult your doctor to adjust the dosage or type of your medication as necessary. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect your work at home, at work, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in school and work however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder could 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 find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or teachers. This leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. This is due to gender bias and the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. In these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone increases. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Additionally the symptoms can fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics as well as on the internet.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, running or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It can also help release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety or stress, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using methods for organizing. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and strategies for coping. For those who are suffering from the condition, a professional ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with ADHD also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women with ADHD can have different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This can make it harder for teachers or parents to notice when girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems that make it less obvious to people close to you. The symptoms can also fluctuate in response to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Women suffering from ADHD are most likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You tend to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can interfere with marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends might be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions and keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might notice that you are having difficulty staying focused during meetings or completing assignments in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly at a loss for time, interrupt other people, speak too loudly or say nonsensical things without thinking about what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You might be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, particularly in times of stress and trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't threatening. It could be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. You may want to consider working with a life management coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor with had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who will help you better understand how your genes or brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.