ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique difficulties. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency of women and girls to hide their symptoms. The increase in awareness has led to more people getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those in men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may struggle to keep on top of their obligations, such as paying bills, returning calls, or sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments, and frequently 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits like excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy habits, such as eating too much or losing weight. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's not surprising that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition they may suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to recognize that their problems stem from a mental health condition instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals, making them appear distant or unobservant to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also struggle with impulse control and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
To help improve their concentration, it is essential for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which may help in focusing.
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 clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the internalizing symptoms of depression 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 in both men and boys. Health professionals might not be aware of the symptoms in women or girls or even ignore them, blaming them on mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and measure these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as an adult woman and this includes taking medication. The key is finding an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD both in women and girls. symptoms of adult add of treatment recommended will be based on the signs and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help you change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
During menopause, when hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period it is important to be on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also ask your health care provider to alter the dosage or type of your medications as required. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In a lot of cases, family, friends, or teachers are the only ones to be able to recognize the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This can lead to girls and young women being overlooked. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
The symptoms of this kind of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes that occur during puberty, as well as during menopausal and prenatal. During these periods hormone levels decrease, and progesterone increases. This combo can intensify ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like walking, swimming or running can help increase focus and attention. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce anxiety or stress which are common among people suffering from ADHD. Regular breaks, creating routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organization are also ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be extremely beneficial in learning about changes in lifestyles and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance for certain. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person be aware of their behavior and how it affects other people. They can also develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women who suffer from ADHD can exhibit different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This can make it difficult for teachers or parents to determine if girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health or depression issues which makes it difficult to detect. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Women with ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details, and be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD could affect your schoolwork, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might note that you have trouble completing tasks 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're always on the move and disturb others, talk too much or make comments that aren't logical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You might be impatient and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to accept.
You may find it difficult to manage your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or even start fights even if the issue isn't a serious one. You might find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a counselor who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.