ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique problems. If left untreated, the symptoms can create havoc on relationships and work life.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for girls and women to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. However, increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men, and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may find it difficult to keep track of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments, and frequently miss social or work 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. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms can experience emotional stress. This can result in poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
As a result, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. For some girls and teens, the anger of not being able to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
It's not a surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from mental health issues rather than being their blame.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty understanding social cues. This could cause them to appear distant and unobservant. They may miss jokes, misread body language, and even be criticized as being rude or offensive. They may also be struggling with impulse control, so they might interrupt others or shout out insulting words.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep each night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to help improve their focus. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which can help 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 lead to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments, or the names of family and friends members. signs of adhd in adults are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to display the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which tends to be more prevalent in boys and men.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common for both genders healthcare professionals may not recognize them in women or girls or might ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to assess and detect in women.
There are many 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 key. The type of therapy suggested will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by following regular sleeping schedules, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time, try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You may also seek advice from your health care professional to modify the type or dosage of your medications if required. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, but they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women who suffer from this type of the disorder may also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family or friends. This can lead to girls and young women being overlooked. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes particularly during puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This can cause ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also 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 be utilized to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics as well as on the internet.
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking can help improve attention and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and reduce stress or anxiety. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for your day, and employing strategies for organization. Support groups can be very helpful in learning about lifestyle changes and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized individual guidance to those who have. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD might have symptoms that differ from men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose the condition. The disorder may be disguised by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less apparent to those around you. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You lose things, have trouble recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can impact your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends might notice that you have difficulty adhering to instructions, keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might be aware that you are struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing tasks in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always in motion, you disrupt other people, speak too loudly or say nonsensical things without thinking about what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with other people. You're impatient and frequently have mood swings, which can be difficult for your closest family and friends to accept.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. It may be easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol consumption, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.