ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique problems. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
Gender bias and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. The increased awareness has led to more adults getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men. They can be exacerbated because of hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattention Type Symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may be unable to keep the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and often miss meetings or show up late for 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 don't get treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress, which could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
As a result, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. For some girls, especially teens, the anger of not being capable of meeting social expectations can lead to non-suicidal self-injury, which may look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's no surprise that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from an illness of the mind instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties in interpreting social signals. This can cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They may also struggle with impulse control and might make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD need to get enough rest each night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to help improve their concentration. They should also exercise regularly, which can help increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can help 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 might also forget appointments or the names of family and friends members. They are often easily distracted or bored and are unable to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely to display the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which may be more common in males and females.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in boys and men healthcare professionals may not recognize them in women or girls or may ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms difficult to determine and recognize for women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman as well as taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who has experience in treating ADHD among girls and women is key. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help clarify your experience and help you reframe negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or support group work.
For some, a regular 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 decrease, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period it is important to keep track of your symptoms and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You may also consult your doctor to adjust the type or dosage of your medication as needed. Talk to your therapist regarding the challenges you face in dealing with your symptoms and how they affect you at work, home and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with other people and your partner.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family or friends. This results in girls and young women being underdiagnosed. This is caused by gender bias and the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
add symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these periods hormone levels decrease, and progesterone rises. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and makes them worse. Additionally, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can be utilized to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people change their negative behavior and thoughts, as well as 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 also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, establishing routines for the day and implementing strategies for organizing are some other methods to help manage ADHD. A support group can also be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your techniques for dealing with stress. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized, individual guidance for some. Some people with ADHD also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help the person be aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They can also improve their communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are different from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. The condition can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems that make it less apparent to those around you. adhd adult symptoms can also change depending on hormone levels. For add symptoms when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Women with ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You are more likely to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get 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 could notice that you have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are having difficulty staying focused during meetings or completing assignments in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always at a loss for time, interrupt other people, talk excessively or say nonsensical things without thinking about what you're saying. You struggle to wait for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with other people. You may be irritable and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, especially when you're dealing with trauma or stress. You might react more strongly to criticism or start fights even if the situation is not serious. You might find it easier to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours, like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.