ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique problems. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and at work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means more adults are receiving the treatment they need. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those in men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD can have difficulty staying focused performing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep the track of their commitments such as paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments and frequently miss social or work-related occasions or show up late to 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 may experience emotional anxiety. This could lead to a breakdown in relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that is not treated can be overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, like eating too much or losing weight. For some young girls and teens, the anger of not being capable of meeting social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like burning, cutting or scratching.
It's not a surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to acknowledge that their issues are caused by a mental health condition rather than being the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals. This could cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or inconsiderate. They might be unable to control their impulses and may blurt out rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their concentration. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters that can aid in focusing.
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 may also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are often easily distracted or bored and struggle to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely to display the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may be more frequent in men and boys.
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 might not be aware of them in girls or women or even ignore them, attributing them to mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms harder to determine and recognize in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman and this includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who is skilled in treating ADHD for women and girls is key. The type of therapy suggested will depend on your conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or help with group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by observing an established schedule of sleep and exercising regularly, as well as eating a healthy diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles when hormone levels decrease. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You may also request that your doctor alter the dosage or type of medication you're taking as needed. Speak to your therapist about the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they affect you at work, home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in school and work however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty getting things done at home. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be independent.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family or friends. This can lead to girls and young women being overlooked. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopausal. At these times estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels increase. This combo can intensify ADHD symptoms. Moreover, the symptoms tend to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics as well as online.
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking, can help to improve focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, creating routines for the day and implementing strategies for organization are also ways to manage ADHD. Support groups can be beneficial in learning about changes in lifestyle and coping strategies. symptoms of adult adhd can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people with ADHD benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to become aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also develop communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women suffering from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are different from men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This makes it difficult for teachers or parents to recognize when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health or depression issues, making it harder to recognize. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You lose things, have trouble remembering details and tend to get distracted by what others are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms could affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your boss or teacher might be aware that you are struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing assignments in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly moving and disturb others, talk too much or make statements that aren't logical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn and are unable to maintain eye contact with others. You might be impatient and have mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, particularly in times of stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or fights even if the issue is not serious. You might find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
The right 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 could also seek assistance from a professional counselor with had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity might affect your ADHD symptoms.