ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc on relationships and work life.
Gender bias and a tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose. However, the increased awareness means more adults are receiving the treatment they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.
Signs of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, frequently making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble organizing and find it difficult to keep track of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and often miss meetings or arrive 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. People who don't seek treatment for their symptoms may suffer emotional distress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't properly treated can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and adopt unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some turn to unhealthy behaviors such as eating less and gaining weight. Teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their anger at not being able to meet social expectations. This can be done by cutting or burning.
It's no surprise that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This makes it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. These women may also have low self-esteem which makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness and not their fault.
Girls with inattentive ADHD might also have difficulty in interpreting social cues. This can make them appear uninterested and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misunderstand body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they could disrupt others or utter offensive phrases.
Women with inattentive ADHD need to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to boost their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which will help increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and may 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 clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments or the names of friends and family members. They often get easily distracted or bored and are unable to wait for their turn to speak. They are less likely to show the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which can 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 for both genders health professionals might not be able to spot them in women or girls or ignore them, putting them down to mood issues or gender stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased towards male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to determine and recognize in women.
The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as an adult woman as well as taking medication. The key is finding a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle however, it could include cognitive behavioral therapy to help clarify your experience and help you reframe negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can manage their symptoms by following a regular sleep schedule exercise regularly, and eating a healthy diet. 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 as hormone levels drop. During this time, you should try to keep track of your health, schedule doctor's appointments, keep track of your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan closely. You can also request to have your doctor modify the dosage or type of medication you're taking as needed. Talk to your therapist regarding the issues you have with dealing with your symptoms and how they affect your work, at home, and in your relationships. They may also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who suffer from mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive behaviors of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. Symptoms of this form of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers, and speaking without thinking. Women with this presentation of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often find it difficult to live an independent life.
In many cases, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only symptoms recognized by family members or friends. This means that young women and girls suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also caused by gender bias as well as the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, puberty and menopause. In these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone increases. This can make ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. The symptoms can also change from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which can help to change negative thoughts and behavior and psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics and on the internet.
Regular physical activity such as running, walking or swimming can increase focus and attention. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and help reduce anxiety or stress. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating routines for your day, and employing strategies for organization. Support groups can be very helpful in learning about lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. For some professionals, an ADHD coach is an excellent option for individual, personalized guidance. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person to become aware of how their behavior affects others and help them develop their communication skills.
Adult Type 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 recognize the problem. The condition can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less apparent to people around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance in response to hormones, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your naive ADHD symptoms could affect your school, work, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss may note that you have trouble completing tasks 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 constantly on the move and can interrupt others, talk too much, or say things that are illogical without thinking. You struggle to wait for your turn and are unable to keep eye contact with others. You can be impatient and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to accept.
attention deficit disorder symptoms adults may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly in times of stress or trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or even start fights, even when the situation isn't a serious one. You might find it easier to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviours, like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
The appropriate treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. It is possible to work 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 speak to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand how your genes and brain activity could influence your ADHD symptoms.