ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique problems. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to cover up their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men, and are often aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive Type Signs
Women with inattention ADHD can have difficulty keeping on track, completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make a mistake. They may struggle to keep on top of their obligations, such as paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and can often skip 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 experience emotional distress, and that could lead to bad 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 resort to unhealthy strategies for coping like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy habits, such as eating more or dieting. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their anger at not being able meet social expectations. This may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's no surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to acknowledge that their issues stem from an illness of the mind rather than being the result of their own blame.
Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty in interpreting social signals, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, or be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also struggle with impulse control and might make 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 boost their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which will help increase neurotransmitters that aid concentration and may 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 to a messy home and having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They often get bored or distracted easily and have trouble waiting for their turn to speak. They are less likely to display the internalizing symptoms of depression 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. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in males and females healthcare professionals may not look for these symptoms in women and girls or may ignore them, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also known to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms harder to assess and detect for women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as a mature woman as well as taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who is skilled in treating ADHD in women and girls is essential. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or support group work.
For some, a sleep routine, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You can also ask to have your doctor modify the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as needed. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty finishing tasks at home. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live independently.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or teachers. In the end, young women and girls suffering from this disorder are often not diagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to conceal their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes, especially in puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. In these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, based on estrogen and progesterone levels. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis as well as inadequate or ineffective treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people overcome negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can improve focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce stress or anxiety. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking breaks on a regular basis, establishing daily routines, and using strategies for organization. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about lifestyle changes and coping strategies. For certain people professionals, an ADHD coach is a great option for individualized, individual guidance. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person become aware of their behavior and how it impacts others. They may also improve their communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that differ from those of men. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for parents or teachers to determine if a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health or depression issues which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also fluctuate according to hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. female adhd symptoms can interfere with school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may be aware that you are having difficulty adhering to instructions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss might observe that you're having trouble staying focused in meetings or completing tasks in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving around, and you interrupt others, talk too much or make comments that are illogical without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn and struggle to keep eye contact with others. You are impatient and often suffer from mood swings, which could be difficult for your closest family and friends to accept.
add symptoms adults may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly during times of stress or trauma. You might react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the situation is not serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. You may want to consider working with a life management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.