ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of do not realize. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and at work life.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men. They can be made worse by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattention Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep on top of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments and are often late for work or social occasions or show up late to 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring conditions such as depression or anxiety.
adhd symptoms adult of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. Some teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration at not being able meet social expectations. This can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's no surprise that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness, and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or offensive. They may also be struggling with impulse control, which means they might interrupt others or shout out insulting words.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD need to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their concentration. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which may 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 a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are often bored or distracted easily and struggle to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely than boys and men to exhibit 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 in both men and boys. Health professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women or disregard them, attributing them to mood disorders or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, making it difficult to detect and assess the symptoms of women.
There are a variety of methods to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking as well as family psychoeducation or group therapy for support.
Some people can manage their symptoms by adhering to regular sleeping schedules exercise regularly, and eating a healthy diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this time it is important to stay on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies 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 struggle at school and at work, however they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty finishing tasks at home. The signs of this form of the disorder may also include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family or teachers. This means that girls and young women with ADHD are not diagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are influenced by hormone fluctuations particularly during puberty as well as during menopausal and prenatal. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This can cause ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can help improve concentration and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using methods for organizing. A support group may be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized, individual guidance for some. Some people with ADHD also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help a person recognize their behavior and how it impacts other people. adhd in adults symptoms can also develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD can have different symptoms than men. Finding and treating the problem in women is complicated by gender roles, which makes it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less obvious to others close to you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, like those that occur during menstrual cycles or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details and tend to get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD can impact your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. You may have trouble following instructions, paying bills or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends might be aware. Your teacher or boss may observe that you are having trouble completing tasks in time or have trouble staying focused in 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 you disturb others, talk too much, or say things that aren't logical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You are irritable and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be hard for your close family and friends to accept.
You may find it difficult to control your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to start fights, even when the situation isn't particularly serious. You might find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. Think about working with a life 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 to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.