ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender bias and the tendency of women and girls to hide their symptoms. However, increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattention Type Symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations such as paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and often miss meetings or show up late to 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. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms may experience emotional stress. This could lead to a breakdown in relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
In the end, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. Some sufferers blame themselves and resort to unproductive strategies to cope like drinking excessively and drug abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. For some girls and teenagers, the stress of not being capable of meeting social expectations can result in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
It's not surprising that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from mental health issues instead of being their responsibility.
adult signs of adhd with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals. This can cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or inconsiderate. They might also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make hurtful comments or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to help improve 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 lead to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to exhibit 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. These symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Health professionals may not be attentive to these symptoms in women or girls, or ignore them, blaming them on mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be skewed towards male behavior, making these symptoms harder to measure and identify in women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a mature woman as well as taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The type of therapy suggested will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or support group work.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
During menopause, when hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time, try to keep track of your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with other people and your partner.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, however they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or friends. This results in girls and young women not being diagnosed. This is due to gender bias and the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. During these times hormone levels decrease, and progesterone rises. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and makes them worse. Furthermore the symptoms are likely to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can help improve focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, establishing routines for the day and implementing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. A support group can also help in learning lifestyle changes and coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized, individual guidance for some. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help a person recognize their behavior and how it affects other people. They may also improve their communication skills.
Signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms that differ than those of males. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This can make it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. The condition can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems that make it less evident to those who are around you. The symptoms can also vary in response to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can affect your work, school, marriages, and other relationships. You may have trouble paying bills, following directions or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends might be aware. Your boss or teacher might notice that you are having trouble staying focused during meetings or completing assignments in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. adult signs of adhd are restless, always moving and disturb others, talk too much or make statements that make no sense without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You can be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends 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 likely to start fights, even if the situation isn't particularly serious. signs of adhd in adults may find it easier to manage these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The best treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity can influence your ADHD symptoms.