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ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't even realize. Untreated, symptoms can wreak havoc on relationships and work life.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to cover up their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those experienced by men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women who have inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may have trouble keeping the track of their obligations, like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They also struggle to remember appointments and may often miss meetings or be 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. Many people who don't get treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, which can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.
As a result, the difficulties of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unhealthy strategies for coping like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as dieting and overeating. For some girls and teens, the frustration of not being in a position to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that is not suicide-related, and could appear as burning, cutting or scratching.
Because of these challenges, it's not surprising that women who suffer from inattentive type ADHD are prone to depression and anxiety which can make it harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from a mental health condition rather than being the result of their own responsibility.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties understanding social cues, which can make them appear distant or unobservant to other people. They might miss jokes, misread body language, or be criticized as being rude or offensive. They may also have difficulties in controlling their impulses, so they could disrupt others or utter insulting words.
Women with inattention ADHD should get enough sleep every night and avoid caffeine and stimulants to improve their focus. Exercise regularly can help increase neurotransmitters that can aid 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 result in a messy house and to difficulty paying bills on schedule. They may also forget about their appointments or the names and faces of their family members and friends. They tend to be easily distracted or bored and struggle to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely to display the symptoms of depression that are internalized or anxiety, which tends to 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. These symptoms are more prevalent in both men and boys. Health professionals may not be attentive to the symptoms in women or girls or even ignore them, blaming them on mood issues or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also known to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms difficult to measure and identify in women.
There are a myriad of ways to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who is skilled in treating ADHD among girls and women is essential. The kind of treatment suggested will be based on the signs and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to validate your experience and help change negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or group work.
For some, a consistent 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.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this time, try to keep track of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You can also request that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you are taking if needed. Talk to your therapist regarding the challenges you face in dealing with your symptoms and how they affect you at work, home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Signs of Mixed Type
Women with mixed type ADHD have difficulties at school and at work, but they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behaviors of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. The symptoms of this type of the disorder can include interrupting others, blurting out answers, and speaking without thinking. Women suffering from this form of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are unable to be a self-sufficient person.
In many instances, the inattention symptoms of ADHD are the only ones recognized by family members or friends. adhd symptoms in adult women leads to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to hide their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
Symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes, especially in puberty as well as during menopausal and prenatal. In these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone increases. This makes ADHD symptoms more evident and can cause them to worsen. Furthermore the symptoms can fluctuate from day to day, based on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people to change their negative attitudes and behaviors, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics as well as on the internet.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking, can help to increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety that are common among those suffering from ADHD. Taking regular breaks, creating daily routines and using strategies for organizing are some other methods to manage ADHD. A support group can also be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance for certain. Certain people with ADHD benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the patient to be aware of how their behavior affects others and assist them in developing communication skills.
Adult Type Signs and symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are likely to have different symptoms than men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for parents and teachers to diagnose the condition. It can also be hidden by mental health or depression issues which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also vary in response to hormone levels. For example, during menstruation or pregnancy and menopausal.
Attention-deficit symptoms are the most common for women with ADHD. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD symptoms could affect your work, school, marriages and other relationships. You might have difficulty following instructions, paying bills or keeping an eye on appointments. Your family and friends may notice. Your boss or teacher might observe that you're struggling to stay focused during meetings or completing assignments in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always at a loss for time, interrupt other people, talk excessively or use a lot of nonsense words without being aware of what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with others. You may be irritable and have mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It can be difficult to control your emotions, especially during times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. It could be easier for you to cope with these emotions by engaging in self destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.
adult adhd symptoms women who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives with the right treatment. It is possible to work with a life-management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist, who can help you understand the way your genes and brain activity might affect your ADHD symptoms.