ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have their own unique challenges. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. However, increased awareness means more adults are getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those of men, and can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble keeping on track performing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make careless errors. They may struggle to keep track of their obligations like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and are often late for work or social events or arrive late for meetings.
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, which can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
The difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors such as eating less and gaining weight. For some girls, especially teenagers, the stress of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like cutting, burning or scratching.
It's not surprising that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. This can make it difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by a mental health condition instead of being their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty interpreting social signals. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They might miss jokes, misread body language, and even be criticised for being rude or offensive. They may also have difficulties with impulse control, which means they may interrupt others or blurt out offensive words.
To improve their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and stay away from caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which can help raise neurotransmitters that help with 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 difficulties in 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 easily distracted or bored and are unable to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely than men and boys to show 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 in both men and boys. Health care professionals may not be attentive to these symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, attributing them to mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, making it difficult to detect and assess these symptoms in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a mature woman and this includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help reframe negative thought patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by observing 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.
When menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this period it is important to stay on top of things and keep track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also ask to have your doctor modify the dosage or the type of medication you are taking if needed. 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 strategies to improve communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women who have mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. click this link of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder may also have difficulty maintaining friendships and relationships and are unable to be independent.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms recognized by family members or teachers. As a result, young women and girls suffering from this disorder are underdiagnosed. This is caused by gender bias and the tendency for people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. During these times estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels increase. This can make ADHD symptoms more evident and makes them worse. Additionally, signs of adult add tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Regular physical activity, such as running, walking or swimming can help improve focus and concentration. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other methods to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for your day, and employing organizational techniques. A support group may help in developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized individual guidance to those who have. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person be aware of their behavior and how it affects others. They can also develop communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women with ADHD can exhibit different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for parents or teachers to determine if a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be concealed by mental health issues or depression which makes it difficult to recognize. The symptoms can also fluctuate in response to hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD can affect your schoolwork, work as well as marriages and other relationships. You may have trouble following instructions, paying bills or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss may notice that you are struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing assignments in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless, always moving, and you disturb others, talk too much or make comments that aren't logical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn or maintain eye contact. You may be irritable and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, especially when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more prone to get involved in fights, even when the situation isn't particularly serious. You may find it easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. You might consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from an experienced counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.