ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have their own unique challenges. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc on relationships and work life.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means that more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those experienced by men. They can be worsened because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep track of their obligations such as paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and are often late for 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
In the end, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as dieting or overeating. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able to meet their social expectations. This may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these difficulties, it's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression, which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their issues are caused by mental health issues rather than being the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to others. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also struggle with impulse control and may make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD need to get enough rest every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve their concentration. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters that can aid 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 having difficulty paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to exhibit 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. These symptoms are more common in both men and boys. Health professionals may not be attentive to them in girls or women, or ignore them, attributing them to mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms difficult to measure and identify in women.
There are many ways to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. Finding look here or clinician who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls is essential. The type of therapy recommended will depend on the severity of your symptoms and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or group therapy for support.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause when hormone levels decrease. During this time, try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask to have your doctor modify the dosage or the type of medication you are taking as needed. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with others and your partner.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble working through home chores. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking and speak without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships and are unable to be a self-sufficient person.
In a lot of instances, family members friends, teachers, or even family members are the only ones to be able to recognize the symptoms of inattention 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 hide their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises. This can cause ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also change from day to day, depending on estrogen and progesterone levels. This could cause misdiagnosis or improper or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can help improve concentration and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using strategies for organization. A support group may help in developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. For certain people, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can assist the patient to become aware of their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. It can also be hidden by mental health issues or depression which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also change depending on hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your work, school, marriages, and other relationships. You may have trouble paying bills, following directions or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your teacher or boss may notice that you are having trouble staying 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're always on the go, disrupt other people, talk excessively or make up nonsense without considering what you're saying. You can't wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You may be irritable and experience mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even when the situation isn't threatening. You may find it easier to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior, like drug and alcohol drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
The appropriate treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from an experienced counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding the way your genes and brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.