ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in relationships and work.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms can contribute to underdiagnosis. The increased awareness has led to more people getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those in 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 with inattention ADHD can have difficulty staying focused performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make a mistake. They may struggle with organization and may have difficulty to keep the track of their commitments such as paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and frequently miss social or work events or show up 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 conditions such as depression or anxiety.
As a result, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unproductive strategies to cope that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. For some young girls and teenagers, the stress of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's no surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their issues are caused by mental health issues rather than being their blame.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language and be accused of being rude or offensive. They may also be struggling in controlling their impulses, so they may interrupt others or blurt out hurtful words.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to improve their concentration. They should also try to exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with concentration and can 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 a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They often get easily distracted or bored and are unable to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely than boys and men to show internalizing symptoms like depression or anxiety.
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 professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women, or ignore them, attributing them to mood disorders or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to measure and identify in women.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls is crucial. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or group therapy for support.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by adhering to an established schedule of sleep, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. 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 get worse. During this period, try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking if needed. Speak with your therapist about the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they impact you at work, home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty getting things done at home. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be independent.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family or friends. This results in girls and young women being underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes, especially in puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. During Iam Psychiatry decrease, and progesterone increases. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. The symptoms can also change from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can be utilized to manage symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity, such as running, walking or swimming can increase focus and attention. It also helps release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in people suffering from ADHD. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for the day, and using organizational techniques. A support group may help in learning lifestyle changes and coping skills. For those who are suffering from the condition, a professional ADHD coach is a good option for individual, personalized guidance. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to become aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD can have different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender-based expectations. This can make it harder for parents or teachers to recognize when girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can be disguised by depression or other mental health issues that make it less apparent to others who are around you. The symptoms can also fluctuate depending on hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Inattentive symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You lose things, have trouble recalling details, and often get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can interfere with school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might notice that you have difficulty following instructions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might observe that you're having difficulty staying focused during meetings or completing assignments in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly 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 are impatient and often exhibit mood swings that can be hard for your closest family members and friends to bear.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, especially during times of trauma or stress. You may react strongly to criticism or be more likely to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. It may be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. It is possible to work with a life coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You can 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 assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity might impact your ADHD symptoms.