ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face unique problems. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and at work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency of girls and women to cover up their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means that more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those experienced by men. They can be exacerbated because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, often making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments and frequently miss social or work 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 aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that can lead to poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
As a result, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors 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 burning, cutting or scratching.
It's not surprising that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language and be criticized for being rude or offensive. They may also have difficulties with impulse control, so they might interrupt others or blurt out hurtful words.
Women with inattention ADHD should get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid 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 lead a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are often easily distracted or bored and struggle to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may 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 in males and females healthcare professionals may not recognize them in women or girls or ignore them, blaming them to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, making it difficult to recognize and quantify the symptoms of women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood, including taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls is essential. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific conditions and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or group therapy for support.
For some, a consistent sleep routine, regular exercise and healthy eating can reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles as hormone levels drop. During this time, you should try to stay on top of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan closely. You may also request to have your doctor modify the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as needed. Talk to your therapist regarding the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact you at work, home and in your relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty finishing tasks at home. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this type of the condition also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live an independent life.
In a lot of cases, family or friends are the only ones who can notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This means that young women and girls suffering from this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. During these periods estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and exacerbates them. Furthermore, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or insufficient treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can improve attention and focus. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and decrease anxiety or stress. Taking relevant resource site , setting up routines throughout the day and employing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. Support groups can be very useful in gaining knowledge about lifestyle changes and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance for certain. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the patient to be aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women suffering from ADHD might have symptoms that differ from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to recognize the problem. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems and makes it less evident to people who are around you. The symptoms can also change depending on hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattentive symptoms are the most frequent for women with ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms could affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends could observe that you have trouble following directions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may be concerned that you aren't completing tasks on time or have 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 in motion, you disrupt others, talk too much or make up nonsense without being aware of what you're saying. You struggle to wait for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with other people. You are impatient and often exhibit mood swings that can be hard for your closest family members and friends to bear.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, especially in times of stress or trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the situation isn't a serious one. It may be easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. You may want to consider working with a life coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity can affect your ADHD symptoms.