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.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency of women and girls to hide their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from men's and are often aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty staying on task and completing tasks, often making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations like paying bills, returning calls, or sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or show up late to 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 aren't treated for their symptoms experience emotional distress, and that could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
As a result, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and resort to unhealthy strategies for coping, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy behaviors, such as eating too much or losing weight. For some young girls and teens, the anger of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in non-suicidal self-injury, which may look like burning, cutting or scratching.
It's not a surprise that women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This makes it harder 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 the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty interpreting social cues. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes or misunderstand body language and be accused of being rude or offensive. They may also struggle with impulse control and might make rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to boost their concentration. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters that can aid in focusing.
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 an unorganized home and difficulties paying bills on time. They might forget appointments or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. female symptoms of adhd are less likely than boys and men to experience 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 might not be aware of the symptoms in women or girls or even ignore them, blaming them on mental health issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to assess and detect for women.
There are a variety of ways to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who has experience in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The type of therapy you are recommended for will depend on the severity of your symptoms and lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking as well as family psychoeducation or group therapy for support.
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.
Menopausal hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this period it is important to be on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also consult your doctor to modify the type or dosage of your medications if needed. Speak with your therapist about the difficulties you face managing your symptoms, and how they affect your work, at home and in your relationships. adult add symptoms may also suggest ways to improve communication with others and your partner.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in work and school but they don't have the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include disrupting others, blurting out answers, or speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live a life of their own.
In many cases, family, friends, or teachers are only able to notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. This results in girls and young women not being diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopausal. During these periods hormone levels decrease, and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and can cause them to worsen. Furthermore the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like swimming, walking or running can increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and reduce stress or anxiety. Regular breaks, creating routines throughout the day and employing organizational strategies are other ways to better manage ADHD. A support group may be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your coping skills. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is a great option for individual, individualized guidance. Certain people with ADHD benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person be aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They may also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women with ADHD are likely to have different symptoms than men. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender roles, which can make it harder for teachers or parents to recognize when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can be disguised by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less apparent to people close to you. The symptoms can also change according to hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopausal.
Women with ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You tend to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD could affect your school, work as well as 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 be aware that you are having difficulty staying focused during meetings or completing tasks in the time frame required.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always on the move, and you disrupt others, talk excessively, or say things that aren't logical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with others. female symptoms of adhd might be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
You may find it difficult to control your emotions, especially during times of stress and trauma. You might react more strongly to criticism or start fights, even when the situation is not serious. You may find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
The appropriate treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has treated women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will help you better understand how your genes or brain activity may influence your ADHD symptoms.