ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in work and relationships.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms can contribute to underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men, and can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattention Type Signs
Women with inattentive ADHD can have difficulty staying on task performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make careless errors. They may struggle with organization and may find it difficult to keep on top of their obligations like paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments and frequently miss social or work-related events or show up late for meetings.
Full Document 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may suffer emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
In the end, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, like eating more or dieting. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their anger at not being able to meet their social expectations. This can be in the form of cutting or burning.
Due to these issues, it's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem that makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They may miss jokes or misunderstand body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling with impulse control, which means they may disrupt others or utter offensive phrases.
To improve their concentration, it's essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also try to exercise regularly, which can help increase neurotransmitters that aid concentration and can help 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 result in clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than boys and men to exhibit 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 common among boys and men. Health care professionals may not be attentive to the symptoms in women or girls, or ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mental health issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to assess and detect for women.
There are a myriad of ways to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD among girls and women is crucial. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help you reframe negative thought patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by observing regular sleeping schedules 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.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this time, you should try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You may also ask your health care provider to modify the type or dosage of your medications if required. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work, at home, and in relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with others and your partner.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at working and at school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents, pay bills or forget to make appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder may also include interruptions to others, uttering answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live a life of their own.
In a lot of cases, family, friends, or teachers are only able to notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. As a result, young women and girls suffering from this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to conceal their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations particularly during puberty as well as during menopausal and prenatal. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and exacerbates them. Additionally, the symptoms tend to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics as well as on the internet.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, running or swimming can increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress. Making sure to take regular breaks, establishing daily routines and using strategies for organization are also ways to manage ADHD. 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 certain. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to become aware of how their behavior impacts others and assist them in developing communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that differ than those of males. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender roles, which can make it harder for teachers or parents to determine if the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less evident to those who are around you. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy and menopause.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends might notice that you have difficulty adhering to instructions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might observe that you're struggling to stay focused in meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always moving and can interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that make no sense without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and are unable to maintain eye contact with others. You are irritable and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be hard for your close friends and family to tolerate.
You may find it difficult to control your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. It may be easier to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviors, like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work with a life management coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.