ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't even realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in the workplace and in relationships.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to camouflage their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. However, increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those experienced by men and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble keeping on track performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make careless errors. They may have trouble organizing and may find it difficult to keep track of their obligations like paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or be late to 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 aren't treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't properly addressed can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able to meet social expectations. This can take the form of cutting or burning.
It's no surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This can make it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition they may suffer from low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by a mental health condition instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty 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 criticized as being rude or inconsiderate. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with 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 lead to an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. They tend to be bored or distracted easily and are unable to wait for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may be more prevalent in boys and men.
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 care professionals may not pay attention to these symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, blaming them on mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, which makes it harder to identify and measure these symptoms in women.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and assist you to change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to an established schedule of sleep exercise 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 symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated during menopausal changes when hormone levels decrease. During this time 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 ask your health care provider to alter the type or dosage of your medications as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in school and work however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live independently.
In many instances, family members friends, teachers, or even family members are the only ones to be able to recognize the apathy symptom of ADHD. As a result, young women and girls with this disorder are underdiagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations particularly during puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. During these periods, estrogen decreases and progesterone rises. This can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people to change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running, can help to improve focus and attention. It can also release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among those suffering from ADHD. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing methods for organizing. A support group can also help in learning lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with ADHD also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to be aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They can also improve their communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose the condition. adhd symptoms in adults may also be masked by depression or other mental health problems and makes it less obvious to those who are around you. The symptoms can also change depending on hormone levels. For instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often get distracted by what others are doing or by your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms can affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. You may have trouble following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your boss or teacher might observe that you're having difficulty staying focused during meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always moving and can interrupt others, talk too much or make statements that are illogical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are impatient and often have mood swings, which can be hard for your closest family and friends to accept.
You may struggle to control your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to engage in fights, even when the situation isn't that serious. It may be easier to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviours, like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from an experienced counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity can affect your ADHD symptoms.