ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't even realize. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work life.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender discrimination and the tendency of girls and women to cover up their symptoms. However, increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those of men. They can be worsened due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattentive Type Symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make careless errors. They may have trouble organizing and find it difficult to keep track of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and often miss social or work 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, which could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't addressed can be overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and resort to unproductive strategies to cope like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration at not being able to meet social expectations. This could be in the form of cutting or burning.
Because of these difficulties it's no surprise that women with inattentive type ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression and anxiety, which makes it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to acknowledge that their issues stem from an illness of the mind instead of being their blame.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty in interpreting social signals. This can cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They might also struggle with impulse control and might make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women with inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their focus. 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 to a messy home and 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 can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to display 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. Because these symptoms are more common in boys and men, health care professionals may not recognize them in girls and women or might ignore them, blaming them to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to measure and identify in 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 has experience in treating ADHD for women and girls is key. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help reframe negative thought patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by adhering to regular sleeping schedules exercise regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles when hormone levels fall. During this period it is important to be on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also ask your health care provider to adjust the type or dosage of your medications if necessary. Speak with your therapist about the issues you have with dealing with your symptoms and how they affect your work, at home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with other people and your partner.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at working and at school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments or documents, fail to pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In many instances, family members or friends are the only ones to be able to recognize the symptoms of inattention ADHD. This means that young women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. At these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms can also change from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Getting regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking, can help to improve attention and focus. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and reduce stress or anxiety. Taking regular breaks, setting up daily routines and using organizational strategies are other ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyle and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized, individual guidance for some. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the patient to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women who suffer from ADHD can suffer from different symptoms than males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to recognize the problem. It is also hidden by depression or mental health issues, making it harder to recognize. The symptoms can also fluctuate according to hormone levels. For signs adhd during menstrual cycles or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might observe that you have trouble following directions or keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't getting tasks completed in time or have trouble staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always moving and can disturb others, talk too much, or say things that aren't logical without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You may be irritable and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
You may find it difficult to manage your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or fights, even when the situation is not serious. You might find it easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviours, like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. Think about working with a life coach or joining 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 assist you in understanding how your genes and brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.