ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in relationships and work.
The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to camouflage their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. The growing awareness has led to more people receiving the care they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be made worse by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused, completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make careless errors. They may struggle with organization and may have difficulty to keep the track of their commitments like paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and may often miss meetings or be 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
In the end, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and resort to unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being capable of meeting social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's not a surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to realize that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They may miss jokes, misread body language, or be criticized as being rude or offensive. They might also have trouble controlling their impulses and might make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should get enough sleep every night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to improve their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which can help increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can help 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 house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to display the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which tends to 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. Because these symptoms are more prevalent for both genders, health care professionals may not look for these symptoms in women and girls or might ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also known to be biased towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms harder to measure and identify in women.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of therapy recommended will be based on your specific conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you validate your experience and reframe negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or help with group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by observing a regular sleep schedule 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.
When menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this period you must be on top of things and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also seek advice from your health care professional to adjust the type or dosage of your medications if needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work at home, at work, and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who have mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments or documents, fail to pay bills and have trouble finishing tasks at home. The signs of this form of the disorder may also include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones recognized by family members, friends or teachers. This leads to girls and young women not being diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In adhd in adult women symptoms decrease, and progesterone levels increase. This makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and exacerbates them. Additionally the symptoms are likely to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to change their negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Getting regular physical exercise, like walking, swimming or running can improve attention and focus. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Regular breaks, creating daily routines and using strategies for organization are also ways to manage ADHD. Support groups can be extremely beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For certain people professionals, an ADHD coach is an excellent option for individual, personalized guidance. Some people with ADHD 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 communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose the condition. It can also be concealed by mental health issues or depression and make it difficult to recognize. The symptoms can also change according to hormone levels. For instance when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopausal.
Women with ADHD are more likely to be affected by inattention. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty adhering to instructions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might observe that you are having trouble completing tasks on time or having 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 on the go, disrupt other people, speak too loudly or say nonsensical things without thinking about what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with other people. You can be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, especially when you're dealing with trauma or stress. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't that serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work with a life-management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.