ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique difficulties. If left untreated, the symptoms can create havoc in relationships and at work life.
The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men. They can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattention Type symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task in completing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make a mistake. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, returning calls, or sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments, and often 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional anxiety. This can result in poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
In the end, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating more or dieting. Some young girls and teenagers might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration over not being able to meet social expectations. This can be in the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these difficulties It's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are prone to depression and anxiety which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to acknowledge that the issue is a mental illness, and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear aloof or oblivious to others. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They may also have difficulties with impulse control, which means they may disrupt others or utter insulting words.
Women with inattentive ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to improve their concentration. They should also try to exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can help reduce mood swings.
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 a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which can be more common in males and females.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common in males and females health professionals might not be able to spot them in girls and women or may ignore these symptoms, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and assess the symptoms of women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood and this includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls is key. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help overcome negative thoughts as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by adhering to an established schedule of sleep and exercising regularly, as well as eating a healthy and balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles when hormone levels decrease. During this time you must be on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also consult your doctor to adjust the type or dosage of your medications as required. Speak to your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they impact you at work, home and in your relationships. symptoms of adhd adult might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, however they do not show the hyperactive or impulsive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty getting things done at home. The symptoms of this type of the disorder could include interruptions to others, uttering answers and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this type 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 ones recognized by family members or teachers. This results in girls and young women being overlooked. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to hide their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, and during pregnancy and menopause. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combo can intensify ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, based 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 combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available online and through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity such as running, walking or swimming can increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating daily routines, and using methods for organizing. A support group may be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your techniques for dealing with stress. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized individual guidance for certain. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can exhibit different symptoms than men. Finding and treating the problem in women is complicated by gender-based expectations. This can make it harder for parents or teachers to determine if a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health or depression issues which makes it difficult to identify. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during menopausal pregnancy.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. adult female adhd symptoms are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can impact your school, work, marriages, 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 may observe that you are having trouble finishing tasks on time or have difficulty staying focused in meetings.
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 you disturb others, talk too much or make comments that make no sense without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You may be irritable and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with trauma or stress. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to get involved in fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. It could be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol addiction or unhealthy eating habits.
The right treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding the way your genes and brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.