ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't even realize. Inadequate treatment can cause havoc in the workplace and in relationships.
A tendency to discriminate against gender and a tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms contribute to underdiagnosis. However, increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men. They can be worsened due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period as well as pregnancy and menopausal.
Inattentive Type symptoms
Women who have inattention ADHD may have trouble staying on task and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may be unable to keep track of their obligations such as paying bills, returning calls, or sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and may often miss meetings or arrive late to 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 experience emotional anxiety. This can lead to poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.
In the end, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. For attention deficit disorder symptoms adults , it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping behaviors like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy habits, such as dieting or overeating. For some girls, especially teenagers, the stress of not being able to meet social expectations can result in non-suicidal self-injury, which may look like burning, cutting or scratching.
It's not a surprise that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, making it difficult to realize that their issues stem from mental health issues rather than being their responsibility.
add symptoms adults with inattention ADHD might also have difficulty in interpreting social signals. This can make them appear distant and unobservant. They might miss jokes or misread body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also have issues with impulse control, which means they may interrupt others or shout out insulting phrases.
Women with inattention ADHD need to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their focus. They should also exercise regularly, which can 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 a messy home and difficulty paying bills on schedule. They might also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members and friends. They often get bored or distracted easily and have trouble waiting for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely than men and boys 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. These symptoms are more prevalent in both men and boys. Health care professionals may not be attentive to the symptoms in women or girls, or ignore them, blaming them on mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to assess and detect in women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a mature 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 you are recommended for will depend on the severity of your conditions and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you validate your experience and reframe negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or group therapy for support.
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 when hormone levels fall. During this period, try to maintain a close eye on your health, schedule doctor's appointments, track your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan closely. You can also ask your health care provider to adjust the type or dosage of your medications if required. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work as well as at home and in relationships. They might also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Symptoms of Mixed Type
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 lose important documents or pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulty maintaining relationships and friendships, and find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In many cases, family or friends are the only ones who can notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. This means that girls and young women with this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. During these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone rises. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and can cause them to worsen. Moreover, the symptoms tend to fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be used in conjunction with medication to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people to change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible online and through local mental clinics.
adult add symptoms , like running, swimming, or walking can help improve focus and attention. It can also help release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among those suffering from ADHD. Regular breaks, establishing routines throughout the day and employing strategies for organization are also ways to help manage ADHD. A support group can help in developing lifestyle changes and techniques for dealing with stress. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized, individual guidance for some. Certain people with ADHD benefit from interpersonal or cognitive-behavioral therapy. A therapist can teach the person to be aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD are likely to exhibit different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to identify the condition. The disorder may be disguised by depression or other mental health issues and makes it less apparent to others who are around you. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal pregnancy.
Women who suffer from ADHD are most likely to suffer from inattention symptoms. You tend to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms can interfere with marriage, school, and other relationships. Your family and friends might observe that you have trouble following instructions, keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may observe that you're having trouble staying focused during meetings or completing assignments in time.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always at a loss for time, interrupt other people, talk excessively or say nonsensical things without being aware of what you're saying. You can't wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You are impatient and often have mood swings, which can be hard for your close family members and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or fights even if the issue isn't a serious one. You may find it easier to cope with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviours such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
Women diagnosed with ADHD can make a difference in their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek assistance from a professional counselor with had experience working with women suffering from this disorder. You may want to speak with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity can impact your ADHD symptoms.