ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of do not realize. If not treated, look here can cause havoc in relationships and work life.
The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from men's and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive Type Signs
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may struggle with organization and find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments such as paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments and are often late for social or work events or show up late for 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms can experience emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and resort to unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, like eating too much or losing weight. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration over not being able to meet social expectations. This may take the form of cutting or burning.
Because of these challenges, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to recognize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty interpreting social signals. This could cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They might also struggle with impulse control and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep each night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to boost their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which can 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 a messy house and to difficulty paying bills on schedule. They might also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which tends to 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 prevalent in both men and boys. Health care professionals may not be attentive to them in girls or women or even ignore them, attributing them to mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms harder to determine and recognize for women.
There are many ways to deal with ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a clinician or therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls is key. The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and your lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or help with group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by following regular sleeping schedules, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You can also ask that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as needed. Talk with your therapist about the difficulties you face dealing with 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 Signs and symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at school and work however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty finishing tasks at home. The signs of this form of the disorder could include interruptions to others, uttering answers, and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In a lot of instances, family members friends, teachers, or even family members are the only ones to be able to recognize the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This results in girls and young women not being diagnosed. This is caused by gender bias as well as the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. At these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. adhd symptoms women can also change from day to day, depending on estrogen and progesterone levels. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people overcome negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available online and through local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can help increase focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, establishing daily routines and using strategies for organization are also ways to better manage ADHD. A support group can be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your strategies for coping. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is a great option for individual, personalized guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to become aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to have different symptoms than men. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender roles, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to recognize when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems and makes it less evident to those close to you. The symptoms can also fluctuate in response to hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what your friends are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can impact your schoolwork, 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 boss or teacher may note that you have trouble completing tasks on time or having difficulty 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 can disrupt others, talk excessively or make comments that are illogical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are impatient and often exhibit mood swings that could be difficult for your close friends and family to tolerate.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the situation is not serious. You might find it easier to manage these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.