ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have their own unique difficulties. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in relationships and work.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. However, increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD can have difficulty keeping on track in completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may struggle to keep the track of their obligations, such as paying bills returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and may often miss meetings or arrive late for work or social activities.
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, which can result in poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
In the end, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and adopt unhealthy coping strategies that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. For some young girls and teens, the anger of not being capable of meeting social expectations can lead to self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could look like burning, cutting or scratching.
symptoms of add to these issues It's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their issues are caused by a mental health condition rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They might miss jokes, miss interpret body language, or be criticized as being rude or inconsiderate. They might also have issues with impulse control, so they could interrupt others or shout out hurtful phrases.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep each night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to improve their focus. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which may 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 a messy house and to difficulty paying bills on schedule. They might forget appointments or the names of family and friends members. 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 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. These symptoms are more common in both men and boys. Health professionals may not be attentive to them in girls or women or disregard these symptoms, and blame them on mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, making it harder to identify and measure these symptoms in women.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help you overcome negative thoughts and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
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 worsen during menopause when hormone levels decrease. During this period it is important to stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also seek advice from your health care professional to alter the type or dosage of your medications as necessary. Talk with your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they impact your work, at home and in your relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Symptoms of Mixed Type
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at school and work, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. The signs of this form of the disorder may also include interrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be independent.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family, friends or teachers. This leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. This is due to gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes, especially in puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This can cause ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can increase focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce stress or anxiety. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for the day, and using strategies for organization. Support groups can be extremely useful in gaining knowledge about lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people with ADHD benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to become aware of how their behavior impacts others and assist them in developing communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to diagnose the condition. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues that make it less evident to people who are around you. The symptoms can also vary depending on hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women with ADHD. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details, and be distracted by what other people are doing or by your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms can affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty following directions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might notice that you are struggling to stay focused in meetings or completing tasks in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving around and interrupt others, talk too much or make comments that make no sense without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with others. You might be impatient and experience mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. It may be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.