ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many do not realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and work life.
adhd in adults symptoms and the tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can cause underdiagnosis. However, the increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those in men. They can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task in completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make a mistake. They may be unable to keep the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments, and frequently miss work or social events or arrive late for 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 may experience emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy habits, such as eating too much or losing weight. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able to meet social expectations. This can be done by cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these difficulties it's no surprise that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally they may suffer from low self-esteem, making it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by a mental health condition rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties interpreting social cues. This can make them appear distant and unobservant. They may not be able to catch jokes, misread body language, and be accused of being rude or offensive. They may also have difficulties in controlling their impulses, so they could interrupt others or shout out hurtful words.
To help improve their concentration, it's essential for women suffering from inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters, which can help with concentration.
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 to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. 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 common for both genders, health care professionals may not recognize these symptoms in women and girls or may ignore them, blaming them to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms harder to measure and identify in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman as well as taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls is crucial. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and assist you to reframe negative thought patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
For some, a 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.
Many symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause when hormone levels decrease. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan closely. You may also consult your doctor to alter the dosage or type of your medication as necessary. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work, at home, and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at working and at school, but do not have the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this type of the disorder may also have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships and are unable to be a self-sufficient person.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones recognized by family members or teachers. This leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency of people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. In these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises. This makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and makes them worse. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can improve focus and attention. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among those suffering from ADHD. Making sure to take regular breaks, setting up routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organization are also ways to better manage ADHD. A support group may help in learning lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For some professionals, an ADHD coach is a good option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the patient to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop their communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that are different than those of males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to recognize the problem. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less evident to others around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance in response to hormones, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You tend to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can affect your schoolwork, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may observe that you have trouble following directions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might note that you have trouble getting tasks completed on time or having difficulty staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always on the go, disrupt other people, talk excessively or make up nonsense without being aware of what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn and are unable to maintain eye contact with others. You might be impatient and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, especially during times of stress or trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. It could be easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives by getting the proper treatment. You might consider working with a life management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genes or brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.