ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc on relationships and 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 treatment they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men. They can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattention Type Signs
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments like paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and often miss meetings or be 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. Many people who don't get treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress. This can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and resort to unhealthy coping strategies like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. Some teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their anger at not being able to meet their social expectations. More could be in the form of cutting or burning.
Because of these difficulties It's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition they may suffer from low self-esteem, making it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may miss jokes, misread body language, or be criticised for being rude or obnoxious. They may also struggle with impulse control and may make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
To increase their concentration, it's essential for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters, which may help with concentration.
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 house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to experience internalizing symptoms like 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 among boys and men. Health care professionals may not be attentive to the symptoms in women or girls, or ignore them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and measure these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood as well as taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who has experience in treating ADHD for women and girls is key. The type of therapy recommended will be based on your specific symptoms and your lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns, 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.
Many symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause when hormone levels fall. During this period it is important to stay on top of things and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also ask that your doctor adjust the dosage or the type of medication you are taking as required. Speak with your therapist about the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life at home, work, and in your relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women with mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, however they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments or documents, fail to pay bills and have trouble finishing tasks at home. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking and speak without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be independent.
In many instances, family members or friends are the only ones to be able to recognize the inattentive symptom of ADHD. As a result, girls and young women with ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency of people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Getting regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running can improve focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and decrease anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, setting up routines for the day and implementing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. A support group can also be beneficial in developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance for certain. Some people with ADHD also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can assist the patient to recognize their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also improve their communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to suffer from different symptoms than males. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This makes it difficult for teachers or parents to recognize when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder may be disguised by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less apparent to people around you. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women with ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have difficulty recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends could notice that you have difficulty following instructions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are having trouble staying focused during 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 are restless and always at a loss for time, interrupt other people, talk excessively or make up nonsense without thinking about what you're saying. You can't wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You're impatient and frequently suffer from mood swings, which could be difficult for your closest friends and family to tolerate.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly during times of trauma or stress. You may react more strongly to criticism or start fights even if the situation isn't serious. It may be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. It is possible to work with a life-management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.