ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and relationships.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. The increased awareness has led to more adults getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from men's and are often aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, often making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may be unable to keep the track of their obligations, like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and can often skip meetings or arrive late for 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 don't get treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing 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 done by cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's no surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem that makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble understanding social cues, which can make them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes or misunderstand body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also struggle with impulse control and may blurt out insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve their concentration. They should also exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and can 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 a messy house and to difficulties in paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are often easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn in conversation. They are less likely than boys and men to experience 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 for both genders healthcare professionals may not recognize these symptoms in women and girls or may ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and measure these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood as well as taking medication. The key is finding a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and assist you to reframe negative thought patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to a regular sleep schedule 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 of the symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles when hormone levels fall. During this time, you should try to stay on top of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You may also seek advice from your health care professional to modify the type or dosage of your medication as necessary. Talk with your therapist about the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they affect you at work, home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your family members and partner.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty finishing tasks at home. Symptoms of this form of the disorder could include disrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder may also have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In add symptoms in adult women , the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones recognized by family members, friends or teachers. As a result, girls and young women with this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, and during menopausal and pregnancy. In these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone rises. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. Additionally the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and on the internet.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can improve attention and focus. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce anxiety or stress, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for your day, and employing methods for organizing. Support groups can be extremely beneficial in learning about changes in lifestyle and coping strategies. For some, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the patient to be aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender-based expectations. This makes it difficult for parents or teachers to recognize when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be concealed by depression or mental health issues which makes it difficult to identify. Symptoms can also fluctuate in response to hormones, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, marriages and other relationships. You may have trouble paying bills, following directions or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends might be aware. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are having difficulty staying focused in meetings or completing tasks in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly moving around and can disturb others, talk too much or make comments that are illogical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You're impatient and frequently have mood swings, which can be difficult for your closest family members and friends to bear.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, especially in times of trauma or stress. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't threatening. It may be easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor with expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who will help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.
