ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak 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. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those in men. They can be made worse because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
symptoms of adhd adult with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, often making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may have trouble organizing and find it difficult to keep the track of their commitments, including paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments, and often miss social or work events or show up 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms may suffer emotional stress. This can result in poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits, such as excessive alcohol and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as dieting or overeating. Some young girls and teenagers might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration over not being able to meet their social expectations. This could be done by cutting or burning.
It's not a surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their issues are caused by an illness of the mind rather than being their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to other people. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, or be criticised for being rude or obnoxious. They may also struggle with impulse control and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
To improve their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and stay away from caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Exercise regularly can help increase 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 to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to show internalizing symptoms like depression or anxiety.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more common for both genders. Health care professionals may not be attentive to the symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and assess these symptoms in women.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. The key is finding an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD in girls and women. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the severity of the symptoms and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help overcome negative thoughts, family psychoeducation or support 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.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During adults with adhd symptoms , try to stay on top of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you are taking as needed. Talk to your therapist about the challenges you face in dealing with your symptoms and how they impact your daily life at home, work, 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 Signs and symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in school and work, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women who suffer from this type of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be independent.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family, friends or teachers. This means that girls and young women with ADHD are not diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, as well as during menopausal and prenatal. During these periods estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises. This can cause ADHD symptoms. Additionally the symptoms are likely to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people to change their negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics as well as online.
Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce anxiety or stress which are common among those suffering from ADHD. Making sure to take regular breaks, establishing daily routines and using organizational strategies are other ways to manage ADHD. Support groups can be helpful in learning about lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For some, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individual, personalized guidance. Some people with this disorder benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person become aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They may also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that are different from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. It can also be hidden by depression or mental health issues, making it harder to recognize. The symptoms can also change depending on hormone levels. For instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD could affect your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends may observe that you have trouble adhering to instructions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might be aware that you are having trouble staying focused during meetings or completing assignments 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 moving and interrupt others, talk too much or make statements that are illogical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You're impatient and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be difficult for your close friends and family to tolerate.
It may be difficult to control your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. You may find it easier to manage these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by getting the proper treatment. You might consider working with a life-management coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor with expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity can affect your ADHD symptoms.