ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face challenges that many don't even realize. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and 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 receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from men's and are often aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inattention Type Signs
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, frequently making mistakes or misunderstanding instructions. They may struggle with organization and may find it difficult to keep on top of their obligations such as paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and can often skip meetings or arrive late for 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 can experience emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The challenges of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. Some teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their anger at not being able meet social expectations. This may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's no surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This can make it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, making it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from mental health issues instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble in interpreting social signals. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language, and be criticized for being rude or inconsiderate. They may also have difficulties with impulse control, which means they could interrupt others or blurt out offensive words.
To help improve their focus, it's important for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough sleep every night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which helps increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can 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 difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget about 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 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 common among boys and men. Health professionals may not pay attention to the symptoms in women or girls, or ignore these symptoms, and blame them on mood disorders or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be biased towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms harder to determine and recognize in women.
There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on your symptoms and your lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or support group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to an established schedule of sleep exercise regularly, and eating a healthy and 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 decrease. During this period, try to keep track of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You can also request that your doctor adjust the dosage or the type of medication you are taking as needed. Talk with symptoms of add or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact you at work at home, at work, and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have issues at school and at work, but they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents and pay bills, or forget to make appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder could include interruptions to others, uttering answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this presentation of the condition also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live independently.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms noticed by family or teachers. This means that young women and girls with ADHD are not diagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes, especially in puberty and during pregnancy and menopause. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people overcome negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available online and through local mental clinics.
Getting regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking, can help to improve attention and focus. It also helps release brain-boosting neurotransmitters and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety which are common among people suffering from ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks on a regular basis, establishing daily routines, and using organizational techniques. A support group can help in learning lifestyle changes and coping skills. For those who are suffering from the condition individuals, a professional ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person recognize their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also develop communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that differ than those of males. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This can make it difficult for parents or teachers to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be hidden by mental health or depression issues which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women with 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 could affect your schoolwork, work, marriages, and other relationships. You may have trouble paying bills, following directions or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss might observe that you are having trouble finishing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving, and you disrupt others, talk excessively or make statements that are illogical without thinking. You're unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are irritable and frequently exhibit mood swings that can be difficult for your closest family members and friends to bear.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights, even when the situation isn't a serious one. It may be easier to manage these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The right treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from an experienced counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand the way your genes or brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.