ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have unique challenges. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency of women and girls to hide their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those experienced by men. They can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattentive Type Signs
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and often miss work or social events or arrive late for meetings.
symptoms of adult adhd 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. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms may experience emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
The problems of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and adopt unhealthy strategies for coping like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, like dieting or overeating. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
Due to these issues, it's not surprising that women with inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by mental health issues rather than being the result of their own responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty understanding social cues. This can cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They may miss jokes, misread body language, and even be criticised for being rude or obnoxious. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and may blurt out insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep each night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to help improve their concentration. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters, which can help in focusing.
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 might forget appointments or the names of family members and friends members. They are often easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely than males and females to show internalizing symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in males and females healthcare professionals may not look for them in women or girls or might ignore these symptoms, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to determine and recognize in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a mature woman and this includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The type of treatment recommended will be based on the signs and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and assist you to change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by following regular sleeping schedules 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 period you must keep track of your symptoms and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also ask your health care provider to alter the dosage or type of your medications if necessary. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your family members and partner.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in working and at school but they don't have the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments or documents, fail to pay bills, and have difficulty getting things done at home. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family or teachers. This means that young women and girls with this disorder are underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopausal. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable and exacerbates them. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming or running can improve focus and attention. It can also help release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce anxiety or stress which are common among people suffering from ADHD. Taking regular breaks, setting up routines for the day and implementing strategies for organization are also ways to manage ADHD. A support group can also be beneficial in developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For certain people, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individualized, individual guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that differ from men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. The disorder can be disguised by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less evident to those close to you. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women with ADHD. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your work, school, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends could be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be aware that you are struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always on the move, and you disturb others, talk too much or make comments that are illogical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You may be irritable and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It may be difficult to control your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't particularly 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.
The appropriate treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor with expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.