ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many do not realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc in relationships and at work life.
The gender bias and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms cause underdiagnosis. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women differ from those in men. what are symptoms of adhd in adults can be made worse due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD can have difficulty keeping on track performing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may have trouble organizing and find it difficult to keep on top of their obligations like paying bills and returning phone calls, or sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments, and often miss 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. Patients who don't seek help for their symptoms can experience emotional stress. This could lead to a breakdown in relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The difficulties of living with ADHD that isn't properly addressed can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy behaviors, such as dieting or overeating. Some teenagers and young girls might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration over not being able to meet social expectations. This could be done by cutting or burning.
Because of these difficulties, it's not surprising that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more susceptible to anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem that makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD may also have difficulties understanding social cues. This could cause them to appear aloof and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes or misunderstand body language and be criticized for being rude or offensive. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they could interrupt others or blurt out insulting words.
To improve their concentration, it is essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest every night and stay away from caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. They should also try to exercise regularly, which can help raise neurotransmitters that help with 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 lead 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 are easily distracted or bored, and they can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to display the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which may be more frequent in men and boys.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more common for both genders. Health care professionals may not pay attention to the symptoms in women or girls or even ignore them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, making it harder to identify and quantify these symptoms in women.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. The key is finding an experienced therapist and clinician 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 assist you to change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation or support group work.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and healthy eating can reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated during menopausal changes when hormone levels fall. During this period, try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You may also seek advice from your health care professional to alter the type or dosage of your medications if needed. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner as well as other people in your life.
Mixed Type Signs and symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in school and work however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live a life of their own.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms observed by family, friends or teachers. This leads to girls and young women not being diagnosed. This is caused by gender bias and the tendency of 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 hormone levels decrease, and progesterone increases. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Moreover the symptoms can vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can 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 behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible online and through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity such as walking, running or swimming can help improve focus and concentration. It also helps release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety which are common among people suffering from ADHD. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating daily routines, and using organizational techniques. A support group can be helpful for developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people suffering from this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and assist them in developing communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD may suffer from different symptoms than males. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. The condition can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less evident to people around you. The symptoms can also vary according to hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details and tend to be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can impact your work, school as well as marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your boss or teacher may observe that you are having trouble getting tasks completed on time or have difficulty staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always at a loss for time, interrupt others, talk too much or make up nonsense without being aware of what you're saying. You can't wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You can be impatient and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may find it difficult to control your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. You might find it easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviors, like drug and alcohol abuse or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. It is possible to work with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can assist you in understanding the way your genes and brain activity might impact your ADHD symptoms.