ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. The growing awareness has led to more adults getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from men's and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
The Signs of Inattention 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 on top of their obligations such as paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and can often skip meetings or be 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.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't treated can be overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. Teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able meet social expectations. This may be done by cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's not a surprise that women who have inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This makes it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it hard to acknowledge that the issue is a mental illness and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties interpreting social cues. This can cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They might miss jokes or misread body language and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they could interrupt others or shout out insulting phrases.
Women with inattention ADHD need to get enough rest every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their concentration. They should also try to exercise regularly, which will help raise neurotransmitters that help with 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 to a messy home and difficulties in paying bills on time. They might forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than men and boys to show internalizing symptoms like 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 healthcare professionals may not recognize them in girls and women or may ignore them, blaming them to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and measure these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a mature woman and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD for women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help overcome negative thoughts and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by adhering to a regular sleep schedule and exercising regularly, as well as eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this period it is important to stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also consult your doctor to alter the dosage or type of your medications as needed. Talk with your therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms, and how they impact you at work, home and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with your family members and partner.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty getting things done at home. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers and speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live independently.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones observed by family, friends or teachers. This results in girls and young women not being diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or inadequate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also be utilized to treat the symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counselling. Both are available online and through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity, such as running, walking or swimming can increase concentration and focus. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and decrease anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for the day, and using strategies for organization. A support group can also be beneficial in learning lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For certain people individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the patient to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose the condition. The disorder can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less apparent to those around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, like those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can impact your schoolwork, work, marriages, and other relationships. adult add symptoms and friends could be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions or keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are struggling to stay 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're constantly on the go, disrupt others, talk too much or say nonsensical things without thinking about what you're saying. You can't wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You're impatient and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be difficult for your close family and friends to accept.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly during times of stress or trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even if the situation isn't particularly serious. It may be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol addiction or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. It is possible to work with a life-management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.