ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work life.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. But, increasing awareness means that more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those in men. They can be worsened due to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD might have trouble staying on task, completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations such as paying bills, returning 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that is not treated can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and resort to unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their anger at not being able meet social expectations. This may be in the form of cutting or burning.
Due to these issues, it's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety which can make it more difficult to manage their 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 blame.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes or misunderstand body language and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They may also be struggling with impulse control, so they might interrupt others or shout out offensive phrases.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their focus. They should also 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 result in an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are often easily distracted or bored and struggle to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely to exhibit 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 prevalent in boys and men 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 tend to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms harder to assess and detect in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a mature woman, including taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help you overcome negative thoughts as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
For some, a consistent sleep routine, regular exercise and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this time, try to keep track of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask your health care provider to modify the dosage or type of your medications if needed. Talk to your therapist regarding the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they affect your daily life at home, work, and in your relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents or pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder could include interrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. signs and symptoms of adhd in adults suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.
In a lot of cases, family, friends, or teachers are the only ones who can notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. As a result, young women and girls suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. In these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and makes them worse. The symptoms can also change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics as well as online.
Regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking, can help to improve focus and attention. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for your day, and employing methods for organizing. A support group may be helpful for learning lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For those who are suffering from the condition individuals, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individual, personalized guidance. Certain people suffering from this condition benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person be aware of their behavior and how it affects other people. They may also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms that are different from men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You lose things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what your friends are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can affect your schoolwork, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty following directions and keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may note that you have trouble getting tasks completed in time or have trouble staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always at a loss for time, interrupt others, talk too much or say nonsensical things without considering what you're saying. You're unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You might be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
You may struggle to control your emotions, particularly during times of trauma or stress. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even when the situation isn't particularly serious. It could be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.