ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to cover up their symptoms. However, increased awareness means more adults are receiving the help they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and are often aggravated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task performing 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 find it difficult to keep track of their obligations like paying bills, returning phone calls or sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and are often late for work or social occasions or show up late to 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 may experience emotional distress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
In the end, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits that include excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors such as dieting and overeating. For some young 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 burning, cutting or scratching.
Due to these issues, it's not surprising that women suffering from inattentive ADHD are more susceptible to depression and anxiety, which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem that makes it difficult to recognize that the problem is a mental illness and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty interpreting social cues. This could cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They might miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also struggle with impulse control and may blurt out insulting remarks or interrupt others.
To improve their concentration, it is essential for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which may help with concentration.
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 a messy house and to difficulties in paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments or the names and faces of family members and friends. They tend to be bored or distracted easily and are unable to wait for their turn in a conversation. 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. Because these symptoms are more prevalent for both genders, health care professionals may not recognize these symptoms in women and girls or ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased towards male behavior, which makes these symptoms difficult to measure and identify in women.
The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a woman in adulthood as well as taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls is crucial. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and assist you to overcome negative thoughts, family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by adhering to a regular sleep schedule exercise regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many of the symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause when hormone levels fall. During this time, try to maintain a close eye on your health, schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You may also ask your health care provider to modify the type or dosage of your medications if necessary. Speak to your therapist about the issues you have with dealing with your symptoms and how they impact your daily life at home, work and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve your communication with your family members and partner.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also experience problems maintaining friendships and relationships and are often unable to live independently.
In many cases, family or friends are the only ones to be able to recognize the apathy symptom of ADHD. This leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. A bias towards gender and the tendency of those with ADHD to conceal their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
symptoms of add of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes particularly during puberty and during menopausal and pregnancy. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more evident and exacerbates them. Additionally, the symptoms tend to change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could lead to a wrong diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medication psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counselling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and online.
Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming or running can improve focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, setting up routines throughout the day and employing organizational strategies are other ways to better manage ADHD. A support group may help in developing lifestyle changes and coping skills. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized, individual guidance for some. People with ADHD may also benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can assist the patient to recognize their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also develop communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that differ from men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to identify the condition. The disorder may also be masked by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less obvious to others around you. The symptoms can also fluctuate depending on hormone levels. For instance, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopause.
Inattentive symptoms are the most frequent for women with ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD could affect your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends might observe that you have trouble adhering to instructions, keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't getting tasks completed on time or have difficulty staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always in motion, you disrupt other people, talk excessively or use a lot of nonsense words without being aware of what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with others. You are impatient and often suffer from mood swings, which can be hard for your close friends and family to tolerate.
You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, particularly in times of stress or trauma. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more likely to engage in fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. You may find it easier to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The right treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. You may want to consider working with a life coach or locating an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has experience treating women with this disorder. You may want to speak to a psychiatrist who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.