ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to camouflage their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. The growing awareness has resulted in more adults receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be worsened due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, returning calls, or even 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. adhd signs in adults who don't seek help for their symptoms may suffer emotional anxiety. This could lead to a breakdown in relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In the end, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors like eating too much and dieting. adhd signs in adults and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their anger at not being able to meet social expectations. This may take the form of cutting or burning.
Because of these difficulties It's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from an illness of the mind instead of being their blame.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social signals. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or inconsiderate. They might also have trouble controlling their impulses and may blurt out rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD need to get enough rest every night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to improve their focus. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters, which can help in focusing.
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 to a messy home and difficulties in paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments or the names of family and friends members. They tend to be easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely to show the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which tends to 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 among boys and men. Health care professionals might not be aware of the symptoms in women or girls or disregard these symptoms, and blame them on mental health issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and quantify these symptoms in women.
There are a myriad of ways to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. Finding a clinician or therapist who is skilled in treating ADHD for women and girls is essential. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help reframe negative thought patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support 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.
During menopause, when hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this time you must stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask that your doctor alter the dosage or type of medication you are taking as needed. Speak with your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they affect you at work, home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women with mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live a life of their own.
In many cases, family, friends, or teachers are only able to notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to hide their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopausal. In these instances estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combo can intensify ADHD symptoms. Moreover, 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 inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people overcome negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible online and through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can improve concentration and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and reduce stress or anxiety. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks on a regular basis, establishing routines for your day, and employing strategies for organization. Support groups can be extremely helpful in learning about lifestyle changes and coping strategies. For some, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different than those of males. Finding and treating adhd signs in adults in women is complicated by gender-based expectations. This can make it harder for teachers or parents to recognize when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health problems and makes it less apparent to those who are around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Women with ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have trouble remembering details and tend to get distracted by what others are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't finishing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly on the move, and you disrupt others, talk excessively or make comments that make no sense without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with others. You might be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may struggle to control your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or start fights even if the issue isn't a serious one. It may be easier to manage these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours, like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work with a life management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genes or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.