ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face unique problems. If left adhd symptoms adults , the symptoms can create havoc in relationships and work life.
Underdiagnosis is the result of gender bias and the tendency of girls and women to cover up their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are getting the help they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men, and can be exacerbated by hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, usually making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They may also be unable to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or show up late for work or social events.
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 stress. This can lead to poor relationships or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
As a result, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. For some, it leads to self-blame and unhealthy coping habits like excessive drinking and drug abuse. Some people fall into unhealthy behaviors, like eating more or dieting. Some young girls and teenagers might self-injure in order to deal with their frustration over not being able to meet social expectations. This can take the form of cutting or burning.
Due to these issues It's not surprising that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are more prone to anxiety and depression and anxiety, which makes it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to recognize that their issues stem from mental health issues rather than being their responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties understanding social signals. This can cause them to appear uninterested and oblivious. They may miss jokes, miss interpret body language, and be criticised for being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling in controlling their impulses, so they might interrupt others or blurt out hurtful words.
Women with inattentive ADHD need to get enough rest each night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to improve their focus. Exercise regularly can help increase 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 to a messy home and difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget about their appointments, or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They are often easily distracted or bored and have trouble waiting for their turn to speak. They are less likely than boys and men to exhibit internalizing symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
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 males and females health professionals may not recognize these symptoms in women and girls or may ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales 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 ways to manage ADHD as an adult woman as well as taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the symptoms and lifestyle. It could include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help change negative thinking patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
For some, a regular sleep routine, regular exercise, and a healthy diet can help reduce symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Many symptoms of ADHD can worsen during menopause as hormone levels drop. During this time it is important to 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're taking if needed. Talk with your therapist about the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact your daily life at home, work, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with others and your partner.
The symptoms of mixed type
Women with mixed type ADHD typically have difficulties in work and school, but do not have the hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents and pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also have problems maintaining friendships and relationships and often have difficulty to live independently.
In a lot of cases, family friends, teachers, or even family members are the only ones who can notice the inattentive symptom of ADHD. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms is another reason for underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy, puberty and menopausal. In these times hormone levels decrease, and progesterone rises. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to treat the symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which assists change negative thoughts and behaviours and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.
Regular physical exercise, like walking, swimming or running can improve attention and focus. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease feelings of stress or anxiety, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Taking regular breaks, establishing daily routines and using organizational strategies are other ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be very beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help the person to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.
Adult Type symptoms
Women with ADHD can have different symptoms than men. Diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender role expectations, which can make it harder for teachers or parents to notice when girls are having issues with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health problems, which makes it less evident to people around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You are prone to losing things, having trouble recalling details, and often get distracted by what your friends are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD symptoms can interfere with work, school, marriages and other relationships. Suggested Online site and friends could be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions and keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher might be aware that you are having trouble staying focused in meetings or completing tasks in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always on the go, disrupt other people, talk excessively or make up nonsense without being aware of what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn, and you struggle to keep eye contact with others. You can be impatient and experience mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly when you're dealing with stress or trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or fights even if the situation is not serious. You might find it easier to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behavior, like drug and alcohol drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from an experienced counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity can influence your ADHD symptoms.