ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in work and relationships.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency of girls and women to cover up their symptoms. The increased awareness has led to more adults receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be made worse by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may struggle with organization and find it difficult to keep on top of their obligations such as paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and often miss meetings or show up 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 don't get treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress, which can result in poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
The problems of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, such as dieting or overeating. Some teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able meet social expectations. This could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these challenges it's no surprise that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression and anxiety, which makes it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem that makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulties in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They might miss jokes, misread body language, and even be criticized as being rude or offensive. They may also struggle with impulse control and might make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and can 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 to clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They often get easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn to speak. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may 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. These symptoms are more prevalent among boys and men. Health care professionals might not be aware of the symptoms in women or girls, or ignore them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to determine and recognize for women.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls is crucial. The type of therapy you are recommended for will be based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns Psychoeducation for the family, or support 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.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time it is important to keep track of your symptoms and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also seek advice from your health care professional to alter the type or dosage of your medication as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with others and your partner.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, however they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder may also have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships and may find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In a lot of instances, family members friends, teachers, or even family members are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. adhd symptoms in women means that young women and girls suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, and during menopausal and pregnancy. During 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 estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to treat the symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and online.
Regular physical activity like running, walking or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing organizational techniques. A support group can also be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and improving your strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to be aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that differ from men. Diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender-based expectations. This can make it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less evident to those around you. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You tend to forget things, have trouble recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD could affect your school, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might observe that you have trouble following directions, keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might observe that you're 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 at a loss for time, interrupt other people, speak too loudly or use a lot of nonsense words without thinking about what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You might be impatient and have mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't that serious. It may be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol consumption, or unhealthy eating patterns.
adhd symptoms in women diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. It is possible to work with a life management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from an experienced counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.