ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in relationships and work.
The reason for this is gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. adhd symptoms women may also be unable to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or arrive late for work or social events.
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 lead to poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The challenges of living with ADHD that is not treated can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits like excessive drinking and drug abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being capable of meeting social expectations can result in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Due to these issues, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression, which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Women with this type of disorder may also suffer from low self-esteem that makes it difficult to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty understanding social signals. This can make them appear uninterested and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes, misread body language, or be criticised for being rude or offensive. They may also be struggling with impulse control, so they might disrupt others or utter offensive words.
To help improve their focus, it's important for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also try to exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid concentration and can help 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 a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which can 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. These symptoms are more common for both genders. Health care professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women or even ignore them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to measure and identify in women.
There are many methods to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes 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 severity of the symptoms and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help you change negative thinking patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by following regular sleeping schedules exercise 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 symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause when hormone levels decrease. During this time, you should try to stay on top of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan closely. You can also ask that your doctor adjust the dosage or type of medication you're taking if needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work at home, at work, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with others and your partner.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble working through home chores. The signs of this form of the disorder may also include disrupting others, blurting out answers, or speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or friends. In the end, young women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. During these periods, estrogen decreases and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms can also change from day to day, based on estrogen and progesterone levels. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics and on the internet.
Getting regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking can improve focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters that boost the brain and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for the day, and using organizational techniques. Support groups can be very useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized, individual guidance for some. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They can also improve their communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. It can also be hidden by mental health issues or depression and make it difficult to detect. The symptoms can also fluctuate depending on hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD could 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 may note that you have trouble finishing 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 disrupt others, talk excessively or make statements that are illogical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are irritable and frequently exhibit mood swings that could be difficult for your close family and friends to accept.
You may struggle to control your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the situation isn't serious. It could be easier for you to cope 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. It is possible to work 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 talk with a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.