ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
The reason for this is gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. However, increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from men's and are often aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying focused performing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make a mistake. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, such as paying bills returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and may often miss meetings or arrive late to 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. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms can experience emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that is not treated can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Others resort 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 may be in the form of cutting or burning.
It's not surprising that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This can make it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally they may suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from an illness of the mind rather than being the result of their own responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties in interpreting social signals, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may not be able to catch jokes, miss interpret body language, and even be criticized as being rude or obnoxious. They might also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep each night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to help improve their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and may 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 clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to exhibit internalizing symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common in boys and men, health care professionals may not recognize them in girls and women or might ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to assess and detect for women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman and this includes taking medication. Finding a clinician or therapist who has experience in treating ADHD among girls and women is key. The type of therapy you are recommended for will be based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help clarify your experience and help you reframe negative thinking patterns Psychoeducation for the family, or help with group work.
For some, a consistent 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.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period you must be on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask that your doctor alter the dosage or type of medication you're taking if needed. Speak with your therapist about the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they affect your work, at home and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, but they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents, pay bills or forget to make appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and are unable to be a self-sufficient person.
In a lot of cases, family or friends are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This means that young women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are influenced by hormone fluctuations, especially in puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. Additionally, the symptoms tend to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like running, walking or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using methods for organizing. A support group may be beneficial in developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized, individual guidance for some. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender-based expectations. This makes it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. add symptoms adults is also hidden by mental health or depression issues, making it harder to detect. The symptoms can also vary in response to hormone levels. For instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have trouble recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your work, school, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might observe that you have trouble adhering to instructions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might observe that you're having trouble staying focused during meetings or completing assignments in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always on the move, and you disturb others, talk too much or make statements that make no sense without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with other people. You can be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or even start fights, even when the situation isn't a serious one. You may find it easier to manage these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
symptoms of adhd diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from an experienced counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.