ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many do not realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and work life.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to camouflage their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those in men. They can be exacerbated because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, usually making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may struggle with organization and find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments like paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments and often 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. add symptoms who don't seek help for their symptoms may suffer emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The challenges 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. Others resort to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. For some girls and teens, the anger of not being in a position to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these challenges it's no surprise that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from a mental health condition instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have difficulties interpreting social cues. This can cause them to appear distant and unobservant. They may not be able to catch jokes or misunderstand body language and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and might make rude remarks or interrupt others.
To help improve their concentration, it's essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and stay away from caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which may 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 result in a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than boys and men to show 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. Because these symptoms are more common in boys and men healthcare professionals may not recognize these symptoms in women and girls or may ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms harder to determine and recognize for women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood, including taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help you change negative thinking patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by adhering to an established schedule of sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and balanced 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 it is important to keep track of your symptoms and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you are taking as needed. Talk to your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they impact you at work, home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with your family members and partner.
Symptoms of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents, pay bills or forget to schedule appointments. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be independent.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or teachers. This means that young women and girls with 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 are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. In these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can make ADHD symptoms more apparent and exacerbates them. Additionally the symptoms can change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Regular physical activity, such as running, walking or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating daily routines, and using organizational techniques. A support group may help in developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this condition benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it affects other people. They can also develop communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are different than those of males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to recognize the problem. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less obvious to those around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your teacher or boss may note that you have trouble finishing tasks 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're constantly on the go, disrupt other people, talk excessively or use a lot of nonsense words without considering what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with other people. You can be impatient 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 trauma or stress. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't that serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by getting the proper treatment. You might consider working with a life management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.