ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique difficulties. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and relationships.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency of girls and women to conceal their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those experienced by men. They can be made worse because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may have trouble organizing and find it difficult to keep on top of their obligations such as paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and often miss meetings or be late to 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, which can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
The challenges of living with ADHD that is not addressed can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able meet social expectations. This may be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's not surprising that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from mental health issues rather than being the result of their own responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD can also have difficulty in interpreting social signals, making them appear aloof or oblivious to others. They may miss jokes, misread body language, and even be criticised for being rude or inconsiderate. They might also have issues in controlling their impulses, so they may interrupt others or shout out offensive phrases.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their concentration. Regular exercise can boost 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 a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They might forget appointments or the names of family members and friends members. They often get bored or distracted easily and are unable to wait for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely than males and females to show 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 prevalent among boys and men. Health care professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women, or ignore them, blaming them on mental health issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and assess these symptoms in women.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who has experience in treating ADHD for women and girls is key. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and assist you to change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this period, try to stay on top of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You may also ask your health care provider to adjust the type or dosage of your medications if required. Talk to your therapist about the issues you have with dealing with your symptoms and how they affect your work, at home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women with this type of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In a lot of instances, family members, friends, or teachers are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This leads to girls and young women not being diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these times estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels increase. This can make ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. Moreover the symptoms can change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to misdiagnosis and improper or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Regular physical activity such as running, walking or swimming can improve focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and reduce stress or anxiety. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using strategies for organization. A support group may help in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your techniques for dealing with stress. For those who are suffering from the condition individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They may also improve their communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different from men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. add symptoms adults may be disguised by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less apparent to people close to you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, like those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might observe that you have trouble following directions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may notice that you are having trouble staying 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 are restless, always on the move and disrupt others, talk excessively or make comments that aren't logical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You might be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly in times of stress and trauma. You might react more strongly to criticism or start fights even if the situation isn't serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol consumption, or unhealthy eating patterns.
The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work with a life coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women with this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity can influence your ADHD symptoms.