ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and relationships.
Gender bias and a tendency for girls and women to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. However, increased awareness means more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD can have difficulty keeping on track in completing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make a mistake. They may be unable to keep the track 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 show up 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional distress. This can result in poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't properly treated can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, like eating too much or losing weight. For some young girls and teens, the frustration of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to non-suicidal self-injury, which may appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these challenges it's no surprise that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression and anxiety, which makes it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Women with this type of disorder may also suffer from low self-esteem that makes it difficult to acknowledge that the issue is a mental illness, and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty understanding social cues. This can make them appear distant and unobservant. They might miss jokes, misread body language, and be criticized as being rude or offensive. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their focus. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters that can aid 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 to an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than men and boys to show 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. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in males and females, health care professionals may not recognize them in women or girls or may ignore them, blaming them to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to determine and recognize in women.
There are many ways to deal with ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. The key is finding a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of therapy recommended will be based on your specific symptoms and your lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or help with group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this period, try to maintain a close eye on your health, schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You may also ask your health care provider to modify the dosage or type of your medication as required. Talk with your therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms, and how they impact your work, at home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, but they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments or documents, fail to pay bills and have trouble working through home chores. The signs of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often have difficulty to live independently.
In a lot of cases, family or friends are only able to notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. In the end, young women and girls suffering from this disorder are often not diagnosed. This is caused by gender bias as well as the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these periods, estrogen decreases and progesterone rises. This makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and exacerbates them. The symptoms can also change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity such as running, walking or swimming can improve focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and reduce stress or anxiety. Regular breaks, establishing routines throughout the day and employing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized, individual guidance for some. 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 communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD might have symptoms that differ from 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, making it harder to recognize. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For signs of adhd in adults during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms could affect your work, school, 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 getting tasks completed on time or have difficulty staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're constantly in motion, you disrupt other people, speak too loudly or say nonsensical things without being aware of what you're saying. You struggle to wait for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You are impatient and often suffer from mood swings, which can be difficult for your close family members and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to manage your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or even start fights, even when the situation isn't serious. It could be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating habits.
The appropriate treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work with a life coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a counselor who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.