ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many do not realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work.
Gender bias and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. The increased awareness has led to more people receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those experienced by men. They can be exacerbated because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, usually making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may be unable to keep track of their obligations like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments, and often miss work or social events or arrive 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. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms may suffer emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The problems of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, such as dieting or overeating. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these challenges, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to recognize that their issues are caused by a mental health condition rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty understanding social signals. This can make them appear distant and unobservant. They might miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and even be criticized as being rude or offensive. They might be unable to control their impulses and may blurt out hurtful comments or interrupt others.
To improve their concentration, it is essential for women suffering from inattentive 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 to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget about 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 men and boys to show 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. These symptoms are more common in both men and boys. Health care professionals might not be aware of the symptoms in women or girls or even ignore them, blaming them on mental health issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and assess these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a mature woman and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and assist you to overcome negative thoughts, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by following an established schedule of sleep exercise regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
what are the symptoms of adhd in adults drop, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period, you should stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask your health care provider to alter the dosage or type of your medications if necessary. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work at home, at work, and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments or documents, fail to pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In many cases, family, friends, or teachers are only able to notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. This results in girls and young women being overlooked. A bias towards gender and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are influenced by hormone fluctuations that occur during puberty, and during pregnancy and menopause. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combo can intensify ADHD symptoms. Additionally, the symptoms tend to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics as well as online.
Regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running can improve focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and help reduce anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, setting up routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organization are also ways to manage ADHD. A support group can also be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your coping skills. For certain people professionals, an ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with ADHD also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD can suffer from different symptoms than males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose the condition. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less evident to people around you. The symptoms can also vary depending on hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You lose things, have trouble remembering details and tend to get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can affect your school, work as well as marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss might note that you have trouble completing tasks 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're always on the move and can interrupt others, talk too much or make statements that aren't logical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. what are the symptoms of adult adhd can be impatient and have mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly during times of stress or trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or fights even if the issue isn't serious. You might find it easier to manage these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior, like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives by getting the proper treatment. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genes or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.