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.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose. However, increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those experienced by men and can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattention ADHD might have trouble keeping on track, completing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make a mistake. They may have trouble keeping on top of their obligations, such as paying bills returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and are often late for social or work-related 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. Many people who don't get treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't properly addressed can be overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy habits, such as eating more or dieting. For some young girls and teens, the anger of not being in a position to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
Because of these challenges, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression and anxiety, which makes it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem, which 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 distant or unobservant to other people. They might miss jokes or misunderstand body language and be accused of being rude or offensive. They might also have trouble controlling their impulses and may blurt out rude remarks or interrupt others.
i thought about this with inattentive ADHD should get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their concentration. 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 or friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely to exhibit the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may be more frequent in men and boys.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more common among boys and men. Health professionals may not be attentive to them in girls or women or disregard them, attributing them to mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to measure and identify for women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a mature woman as well as taking medication. The key is finding an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of therapy suggested will depend on your symptoms and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns as well as 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.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this time you must stay on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also consult your doctor to alter the type or dosage of your medications if needed. Speak with your therapist about the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact you at work, home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with your family members and partner.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships, and find it difficult to be independent.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family, friends or teachers. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In symptoms of add , estrogen decreases and progesterone rises. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms tend to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available online and through local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running can help improve attention and focus. It can also release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in people with ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks on a regular basis, establishing routines for the day, and using strategies for organization. A support group may be beneficial in developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For some, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to recognize their behavior and how it affects others. They can also develop communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may have symptoms that differ from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to recognize the problem. It is also hidden by depression or mental health issues, making it harder to detect. Symptoms can also fluctuate in response to hormones, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Women suffering from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details and tend to be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends might notice that you have difficulty adhering to instructions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may observe that you are having trouble finishing tasks 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're always moving around and can disturb others, talk too much, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You can't wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You're impatient and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be difficult for your closest family and friends to accept.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with trauma or stress. You may be more prone to react to criticism or even start fights even if the issue isn't serious. You might find it easier to manage these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior, like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
The best treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genes or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.