ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face challenges that many do not realize. If left untreated, the symptoms can create havoc in relationships and work life.
The gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to camouflage their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. But, increasing awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men, and are often aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Inattention Type Symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, often making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may have trouble keeping on top of their obligations, like paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and often miss 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 could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, like dieting or overeating. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being in a position to meet social expectations can lead to non-suicidal self-injury, which may appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
It's no 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. These women may also have low self-esteem which makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They might miss jokes or misread body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might be unable to control their impulses and might make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which helps 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 lead to a messy home and having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to show 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 common for both genders healthcare professionals may not recognize these symptoms in women and girls or might ignore these symptoms, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms harder to assess and detect for women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as an adult woman, including taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who has experience in treating ADHD among girls and women is key. The type of therapy suggested will depend on your conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or group therapy for support.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by observing an established schedule of sleep and exercising regularly, as well as eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time, you should try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask your health care provider to modify the dosage or type of your medications if needed. Speak to your therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms, and how they impact your work, at home and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with other people and your partner.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they do not show the hyperactive or impulsive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents, pay bills or forget to make appointments. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the condition also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live a life of their own.
In a lot of instances, family members friends, teachers, or even family members are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. As a result, young women and girls suffering from this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially in puberty as well as during menopausal and prenatal. In these instances estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise. This can cause ADHD symptoms. Furthermore the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people overcome negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Regular physical activity like running, walking or swimming can improve concentration and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, creating routines for the day and implementing strategies for organizing are some other methods to help manage ADHD. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyle and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance for certain. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help a person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They may also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women with ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for parents or teachers to determine if the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less obvious to others around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy and menopause.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often get distracted by what your friends are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, marriages and other relationships. You may have trouble following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't getting tasks completed 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, and you interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that make no sense without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with others. You are irritable and frequently exhibit mood swings that can be hard for your close family members and friends to bear.
You may struggle to control your emotions, particularly during times of stress or trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even when the situation isn't particularly serious. It may be easier to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives by getting the proper treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. adhd symptoms adult may also seek out professional counseling from a professional who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.