ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have unique problems. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and at work life.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to camouflage their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. However, the increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those experienced by men. They can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattention Type Signs
Women with inattentive ADHD might have trouble keeping on track, completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make careless errors. They may struggle with organization and may find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments such as paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and can often skip meetings or show up 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional distress. This could lead to a breakdown in relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
In the end, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Due to these issues, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to acknowledge that their issues stem from mental health issues rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulties in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They might miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and even be criticized as being rude or inconsiderate. They might be unable to control their impulses and may blurt out insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their concentration. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which can 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 lead a messy house and to difficulties in paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. adhd symptoms women get easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely to show the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which tends to be more common in males and females.
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 professionals may not pay attention to the symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, blaming them on mental health issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to determine and recognize in women.
There are a myriad of ways to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls is essential. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help you reframe negative thought patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
For some, a regular 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.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this period you must be on top of things and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You may also seek advice from your health care professional to adjust the type or dosage of your medications as necessary. Speak to your therapist regarding the challenges you face in dealing with your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with others and your partner.
Symptoms of Mixed Type
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. The signs of this form of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones recognized by family members, friends or teachers. This leads to girls and young women being overlooked. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. Furthermore the symptoms are likely to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or insufficient treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medication to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and online.
Regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking can help increase focus and attention. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people suffering from ADHD. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for the day, and using methods for organizing. A support group can also be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance to those who have. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person be aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They can also develop communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD might have symptoms that differ than those of males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose the condition. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health problems that make it less apparent to those around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance in response to hormones, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Inattentive symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends might notice that you have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may note that you have trouble getting tasks completed in time or have trouble 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 on the move and interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that aren't logical without thinking. You can't wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are impatient and often suffer from mood swings, which could be difficult for your closest family and friends to accept.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with trauma or stress. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the situation isn't serious. You may find it easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The appropriate treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has treated women with this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.