ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many do not realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in the workplace and in relationships.
The gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men. They can be made worse because of hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
Inattention Type symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD might have trouble staying focused performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make careless errors. They may have trouble organizing and may find it difficult to keep track 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 often miss 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. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that is not addressed can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. Some teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration at not being able meet social expectations. This may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these difficulties It's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult 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 the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have difficulties interpreting social signals. This could cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid stimulants and caffeine to boost their focus. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which may help 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 result in an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They might also forget their appointments or the names and faces of family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to exhibit the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which can be more common in males and females.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more common in both men and boys. Health professionals may not be attentive to these symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, blaming them on mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms harder to measure and identify in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood as well as taking medication. The key is finding a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your conditions and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking Psychoeducation for the family, or help with group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to an established schedule of sleep 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.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause when hormone levels fall. During this period, try to stay on top of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You can also request that your doctor adjust the dosage or type of medication you are taking if needed. Speak to your therapist about the difficulties you face dealing with your symptoms and how they affect you at work, home and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. Symptoms of this form of the disorder could include interrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also experience problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD are the only ones noticed by family, friends or teachers. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, as well as during menopausal and prenatal. In these times hormone levels decrease, and progesterone increases. This can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable and can cause them to worsen. Additionally, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. adult adhd symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medications to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, running or swimming can improve focus and concentration. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, establishing routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organization are also ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be extremely useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized, individual guidance for some. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help a person recognize their behavior and how it affects other people. They can also improve their communication skills.
attention deficit disorder symptoms adults of Adult Type
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that are different from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to recognize the problem. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less apparent to people close to you. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details and tend to be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can affect your work, school, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends may be aware. Your teacher or boss might observe that you are having trouble getting tasks completed in time or have trouble staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving and can disturb others, talk too much or make comments that are illogical without thinking. You can't 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 accept.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress or trauma. attention deficit disorder symptoms adults may overreact to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. It may be easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol addiction or unhealthy eating habits.
The appropriate treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. You may want to consider working with a life management coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding the way your genes and brain activity could impact your ADHD symptoms.