ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face unique difficulties. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and relationships.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender bias and the tendency of girls and women to cover up their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those experienced by men. They can be made worse by hormonal fluctuations during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattentive Type Signs
Women with inattentive ADHD can have difficulty staying focused, completing tasks and making mistakes. They might also be unable to comprehend or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may struggle with organization and may have difficulty to keep track of their obligations like paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and can often skip meetings or be 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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may suffer emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The challenges of living with ADHD that is not treated can be overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. For some girls and teenagers, the stress of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in non-suicidal self-injury, which may look like cutting, burning or scratching.
Because of these difficulties it's no surprise that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression, which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. Women with this type of disorder may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it difficult to acknowledge that the issue is a mental illness, and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have trouble interpreting social cues, making them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They may miss jokes, misread body language, or be accused of being rude or offensive. They may also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD need to get enough rest each night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to improve their focus. They should also try to 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 lead to a messy home and difficulties in paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. 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 tends to be more prevalent in boys and men.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more common in boys and men healthcare professionals may not look for these symptoms in women and girls or might ignore these symptoms, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to measure and identify for women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood and this includes taking medication. Finding symptoms of adhd adults or clinician who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls is key. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and assist you to overcome negative thoughts and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
For some, a consistent 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.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this period, try to keep track of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask your health care provider to alter the type or dosage of your medications as required. 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 might also suggest ways to improve your communication with others and your partner.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include disrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live a life of their own.
In many cases, family friends, teachers, or even family members are only able to notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and makes them worse. The symptoms can also change from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead to misdiagnosis and improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combination type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical activity like running, walking or swimming can increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating daily routines, and using methods for organizing. Support groups can be very useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and strategies for coping. For some individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a good option for individual, individualized guidance. Some people with this disorder benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to have different symptoms than men. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender roles, which makes it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health issues or depression which makes it difficult to recognize. The symptoms can also change in response to hormones, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Women with ADHD are more likely to be affected by inattention. You are more likely to forget things, have trouble recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty following instructions and keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may be concerned that you aren't 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're always on the move and can disturb others, talk too much or make statements that make no sense without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You're impatient and frequently exhibit mood swings that could be difficult for your close family members and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to manage your emotions, particularly during times of stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or fights, even when the situation is not serious. It could 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 with ADHD improve their lives. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from an experienced counselor who has expertise in treating 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 affect your ADHD symptoms.