ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have their own unique challenges. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and work life.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for girls and women to camouflage their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. But, increasing awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from men's and can be aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may struggle with organization and find it difficult to keep track of their obligations such as paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or arrive 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress, and that can lead to poor relationships as well as co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety.
The problems of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and adopt unhealthy strategies for coping like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. For some girls, especially teens, the frustration of not being in a position to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these challenges, it's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety and anxiety, which makes it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it hard to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to other people. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, or be criticised for being rude or offensive. They may be unable to control their impulses and may make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
To improve their concentration, it is essential for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which will help increase neurotransmitters that aid concentration and can help decrease 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 a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments or the names and faces of family members or friends. They tend to be bored or distracted easily and struggle to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely than males and females to show internalizing symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
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 healthcare professionals might not be able to spot them in women or girls or might ignore these symptoms, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. female symptoms of adhd tend to be influenced by male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and measure these symptoms in women.
There are many methods to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and the lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and help change negative thinking patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by following an established schedule of sleep 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 worsen during menopause when hormone levels decrease. During this period it is important to be on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you are taking as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor 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 may also suggest ways to improve your communication with your family members and partner.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents, pay bills or forget to schedule appointments. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers and speaking without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships and are unable to be self-sufficient.
In many cases, family friends, teachers, or even family members are the only ones to be able to recognize the symptoms of inattention ADHD. This can lead to girls and young women not being diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. Moreover, the symptoms tend to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Regular physical activity, such as running, walking or swimming can increase concentration and focus. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress that are common among people with ADHD. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines, and using strategies for organization. A support group can be helpful for developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. For some, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. A therapist can assist the patient to become aware of their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also improve their communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD may exhibit symptoms that differ than those of males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health problems that make it less apparent to people who are around you. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms can interfere with marriage, school, and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss may notice that you are having trouble staying focused in meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always on the move and can disturb others, talk too much or make statements that make no sense without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with other people. You are impatient and often exhibit mood swings that could be difficult for your close family and friends to accept.
It can be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly during times of stress and trauma. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more likely to start fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. You may find it easier to cope with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviors, like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
The best treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a 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 speak to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genes or brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.