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.
The reason for this is gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men, and are often aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble keeping on track in completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make a mistake. They may struggle with organization and may find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments, including paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and can often skip meetings or arrive late for work or social events.
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 aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as dieting or overeating. For some girls, especially teens, the anger of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
It's no surprise that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it difficult to acknowledge that the issue is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals, making them appear distant or unobservant to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes, misread body language, and be criticised for being rude or offensive. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they might disrupt others or utter insulting words.
To increase their concentration, it's essential for women suffering from inattentive type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters that can aid 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 lead a messy house and to difficulties in paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments, or the names of family and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than men and boys to show 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 for both genders. Health care professionals may not be attentive to these symptoms in women or girls or disregard these symptoms, and blame them on mood disorders or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to determine and recognize in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood, including taking medication. Finding a clinician or therapist who is skilled in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help you overcome negative thoughts, family psychoeducation or support group work.
For some, a sleep routine, regular exercise and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period you must stay on top of things and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also ask your health care provider to modify the type or dosage of your medication as necessary. Speak with your therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life at home, work, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble working through home chores. 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 have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family or friends. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations particularly during puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these periods estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises. This combo can intensify ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity such as running, walking or swimming can improve focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and reduce stress or anxiety. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating daily routines, and using organizational techniques. A support group can be helpful for developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized, individual guidance for some. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help a person be aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different from men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems and makes it less obvious to others close to you. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You tend to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. adhd adult symptom could affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends could notice that you have difficulty following directions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't completing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving around and can disrupt others, talk excessively, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn and struggle to keep eye contact with others. You are irritable and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be hard for your closest family and friends to accept.
It can be difficult to manage your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or even start fights even if the situation isn't serious. It could be easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. It is possible to work with a life management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity might influence your ADHD symptoms.