ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique problems. If left untreated, the symptoms can create havoc in relationships and at work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency of girls and women to conceal their symptoms. The growing awareness has led to more adults getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be made worse by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, usually making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep on top of their obligations, including paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and can often skip 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 aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. For some girls, especially teenagers, the stress of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like burning, cutting or scratching.
Due to these issues it's no surprise that women with inattentive type ADHD are more prone to depression and anxiety and anxiety, which makes it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being the result of their own blame.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty understanding social signals. This can make them appear distant and unobservant. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or inconsiderate. They may also be struggling in controlling their impulses, so they might disrupt others or utter hurtful words.
To improve their concentration, it is essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters that can aid 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 an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They might forget appointments or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than men and boys to exhibit internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
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 males and females healthcare professionals may not look for them in women or girls or ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to assess and detect in women.
There are many ways to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a clinician or therapist who has experience in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The type of therapy suggested will depend on the severity of your conditions and lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you validate your experience and reframe negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or help with group work.
For some, a consistent sleep routine, regular exercise and healthy eating can reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You can also request to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you're taking as required. Speak with your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they impact your work, at home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your family members and partner.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who have mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in work and school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble working through home chores. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live a life of their own.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or friends. This results in girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these periods hormone levels decrease, and progesterone rises. This can make ADHD symptoms more apparent and exacerbates them. Moreover, the symptoms tend to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking, can help to improve focus and attention. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in people with ADHD. Making sure to take regular breaks, establishing daily routines and using strategies for organizing are some other methods to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be extremely beneficial in learning about changes in lifestyle and coping techniques. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to become aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD are likely to have different symptoms than men. adhd in adults symptoms of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose the condition. It is also hidden by depression or mental health issues and make it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also change according to hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details and tend to get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are 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 disturb others, talk too much, or say things that aren't logical without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with others. You might be impatient and experience mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly during times of stress and trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. It could be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. You might consider working with a life coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a counselor who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.