ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't even realize. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in work and relationships.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men, and can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and find it difficult to keep on top of their obligations such as paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments, and are often late for 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms can experience emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't properly addressed can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration at not being able meet social expectations. This may be done by cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's not surprising that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This can make it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulties understanding social cues, which can make them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They may not be able to catch jokes, misread body language, and be criticised for being rude or obnoxious. They might be unable to control their impulses and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
To increase their concentration, it is essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also try to exercise regularly, which helps raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and can decrease 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 may also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than men and boys to show internalizing symptoms, such as 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 for both genders. Health professionals may not pay attention to these symptoms in women or girls, or ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to assess and detect for women.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your symptoms and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group therapy for support.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by following regular sleeping schedules, exercising regularly, and 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 period it is important to keep track of your symptoms and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also seek advice from your health care professional to modify the type or dosage of your medications if necessary. Talk to your therapist regarding the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they impact your daily life at home, work, and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with others and your partner.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule 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 form of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live a life of their own.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones observed by family or friends. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency of people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are influenced by hormone fluctuations, especially in puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. In these times hormone levels decrease, and progesterone rises. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Furthermore the symptoms are likely to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Regular physical activity, such as running, walking or swimming can increase focus and concentration. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, establishing routines for the day and implementing strategies for organization are also ways to help manage ADHD. Support groups can be beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and coping strategies. For some, a professional ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with this condition benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that differ from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose the condition. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less obvious to those close to you. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
symptoms of add in adults are the most common for women with ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms can interfere with school, work, marriages and other relationships. You may have trouble following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends may be aware. Your teacher or boss may observe that you are having trouble getting tasks completed in time or have trouble 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 moving and can disturb others, talk too much, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with others. You may be irritable and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You might react more strongly to criticism or even start fights even if the issue isn't serious. It may be easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.