ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique difficulties. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and work life.
adhd symptoms women and a tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose. symptoms of add growing awareness has led to more adults receiving the care they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men. They can be worsened by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep on top of their obligations, including paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or show up late for work or social events.
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 experience emotional distress, and that could lead to bad relationships as well as co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive alcohol and drug abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being capable of meeting social expectations can lead to non-suicidal self-injury, which may look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's no surprise that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This makes it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from mental health issues rather than being their blame.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties in interpreting social signals, making them appear aloof or oblivious to others. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or offensive. They may also struggle with impulse control and may blurt out hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve their concentration. They should also exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid 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 result in clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than boys and men to exhibit internalizing symptoms like 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 prevalent among boys and men. Health professionals might not be aware of them in girls or women or even ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mood disorders or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms more difficult to measure and identify in women.
There are a myriad of ways to deal with ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of therapy recommended will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you identify your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or support 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.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated during menopausal changes when hormone levels decrease. During this time, try to keep track of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan closely. You may also consult your doctor to modify the type or dosage of your medications if needed. Speak to your therapist regarding the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact your work, at home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your family members and partner.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. The signs of this form of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers and speaking without thinking. Women with this presentation of the condition also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live an independent life.
In a lot of cases, family or friends are only able to notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. This means that girls and young women with ADHD are not diagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and can cause them to worsen. Moreover, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medication to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps 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 running, walking or swimming can help improve focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, establishing routines throughout the day and employing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. A support group can also be helpful for developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can assist the patient to recognize their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also develop communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit different symptoms than men. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression and make it difficult to recognize. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have difficulty recalling details, and often be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can affect your marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends could observe that you have trouble following instructions and keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might 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 moving around and interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with other people. You are impatient and often exhibit mood swings that could be difficult for your close friends and family to tolerate.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly 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 threatening. You might find it easier to manage these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.