ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work.
Gender bias and a tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men. adhd in adults signs can be made worse due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task performing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make a mistake. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and frequently miss work or social 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may suffer emotional stress. adhd adult symptoms could lead to a breakdown in relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that is not addressed can be overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and adopt unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration over not being able meet social expectations. This may be in the form of cutting or burning.
It's not surprising that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Women with this type of disorder 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 might also have difficulties understanding social cues, which can make them appear aloof or oblivious to others. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and even be criticised for being rude or obnoxious. They may be unable to control their impulses and may blurt out hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD need to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their focus. They should also try to exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid in 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 lead to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget about their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They often get easily distracted or bored and are unable to wait for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely to exhibit the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which can 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 might not be aware of them in girls or women or disregard them, attributing them to mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it harder to identify and assess these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as an adult woman as well as taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. adhd signs in adults of therapy recommended will depend on your symptoms and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or help with group work.
For some, a 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.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated during menopausal changes when hormone levels decrease. During this time, try to stay on top of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan closely. You can also request that your doctor adjust the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as required. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at working and at school however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or friends. This results in girls and young women being overlooked. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are influenced by hormone fluctuations particularly during puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. During these periods estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available online and through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, setting up routines for the day and implementing strategies for organizing are some other methods to manage ADHD. A support group can also help in developing lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is an excellent option for individual, personalized guidance. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the patient to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that differ from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. It can also be concealed by mental health issues or depression and make it difficult to detect. The symptoms can also change in response to hormones, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You lose things, have trouble recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD could affect your work, school as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might be aware that you are having difficulty following directions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might be aware that you are having trouble 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 on the move and can disrupt others, talk excessively or make statements that make no sense without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are irritable and frequently exhibit mood swings that can be hard for your closest family members and friends to bear.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly in times of stress or trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't threatening. You may find it easier to manage these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by getting the proper treatment. You might consider working with a life-management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor with expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity might impact your ADHD symptoms.