ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face unique problems. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and at work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to cover up their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are getting the help they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men, and are often aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattention Type Symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused in completing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make careless errors. They may be unable to keep track of their obligations such as paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They might also forget appointments and often miss work or social 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 aren't treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress. This can lead to poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors like eating too much and dieting. Some teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration at not being able to meet social expectations. This can take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's not surprising that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They might miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and be criticized as being rude or inconsiderate. They might also struggle with impulse control and may blurt out insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should ensure they 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 with concentration.
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 difficulties in 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 they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to exhibit the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may 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. These symptoms are more prevalent in both men and boys. Health care professionals may not pay attention to them in girls or women or disregard them, blaming them on mood disorders or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, making it harder to identify and quantify these symptoms in women.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. Finding a clinician or therapist who has experience in treating ADHD for women and girls is crucial. The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your conditions and lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns Psychoeducation for the family, or help with group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by following a regular sleep schedule and exercising regularly, as well as eating a healthy 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 it is important to stay on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask your health care provider to adjust the type or dosage of your medications as necessary. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work at home, at work, and in relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with others and your partner.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may forget appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. The signs of this form of the disorder could include disrupting others, blurting out answers, or speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In many cases, family friends, teachers, or even family members are only able to notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. As a result, young women and girls with this disorder are underdiagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias and the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal them.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, as well as during menopausal and prenatal. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and exacerbates them. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could cause misdiagnosis or improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics and online.
Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can increase focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among people suffering from ADHD. Regular breaks, establishing routines for the day and implementing strategies for organization are also ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be extremely useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyle and coping strategies. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with ADHD also benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. Therapists can help the person to become aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop their communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD may exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression, making it harder to identify. The symptoms can also change depending on hormone levels. For instance during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopausal.
Women with ADHD are most likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You lose things, have difficulty recalling details, and often get distracted by what your friends are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can interfere with school, work, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends may be aware. Your teacher or boss might be concerned that you aren't completing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving, and you disrupt others, talk excessively or make comments that make no sense without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You might be impatient and experience mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or start fights even if the issue is not serious. adult female add symptoms may find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.