ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have unique problems. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work.
The gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to hide their symptoms make it difficult to diagnose. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the help they need. ADHD symptoms in women differ from men's and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, often making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and may have difficulty to keep track of their obligations such as 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 for 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 don't get treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress. This can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies that include excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their frustration over not being able to meet their social expectations. This may take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these challenges it's no surprise that women with 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 that makes it difficult to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not the result of their own fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty in interpreting social signals. This could cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misread body language and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They might be unable to control their impulses and may make rude remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattentive ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep each night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to boost their focus. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which can help 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 result in a messy home and difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which may 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 prevalent in boys and men, health care professionals may not look for these symptoms in women and girls or might ignore these symptoms, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, which makes it difficult to detect and measure these symptoms in women.
There are many ways to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapy to prove your experience and help change negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
For some, a 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 of the symptoms of ADHD can become worse during menopausal cycles as hormone levels drop. During this period, you should be on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You may also request that your doctor adjust the dosage or the type of medication you are taking if needed. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they do not show the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble working through home chores. what are symptoms of adhd in adults of this form of the disorder may also include interruptions to others, uttering answers, and speaking without thinking. Women who suffer from this type of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are unable to be self-sufficient.
In many cases, family, friends, or teachers are the only ones to be able to recognize the symptoms of inattention ADHD. This means that young women and girls with this disorder are underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type of ADHD are affected by hormonal fluctuations particularly during puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. In these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone increases. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more noticeable and exacerbates them. Moreover the symptoms are likely to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead to an incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and online.
Regular physical activity like walking, running or swimming can increase concentration and focus. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and decrease anxiety or stress. Other ways to manage ADHD include taking regular breaks, establishing routines for the day, and using methods for organizing. A support group can also help in learning lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For those who are suffering from the condition individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individualized, individual guidance. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.
The signs of an adult type
Women with ADHD may have symptoms that differ from those of men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less apparent to those close to you. The symptoms can also change according to hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most frequent for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can affect your school, work, 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 boss or teacher may note that you have trouble finishing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always moving around and can disrupt others, talk excessively or make statements that are illogical without thinking. You are unable to wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You might be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly during times of trauma or stress. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behavior such as drug or alcohol consumption, or unhealthy eating patterns.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives with the right treatment. You may want to consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from an experienced counselor who has had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity may affect your ADHD symptoms.