Merri Christ

ADHD Symptoms in Women

Adult women suffering from ADHD have unique problems. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc on relationships and work life.

The reason for this is gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. But, increasing awareness means that more adults are receiving the treatment they need. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those in men. They can be exacerbated because of hormonal changes during menstrual cycles as well as pregnancy and menopausal.

Inattention Type Signs

Women with inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, often making a mistake or failing to understand instructions. They may struggle with organization and find it difficult to keep track of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments, and often miss social or work-related occasions or show up late to meetings.

The symptoms of inattentive adhd in adults symptoms 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 of adhd in adults suffer emotional distress, which could lead to bad relationships and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression.

As a result, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. For certain people, it can lead to self-blame and unhealthy coping strategies like excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. For some girls and teens, the anger 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.

It's no surprise that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. This can make it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. Women with this type of disorder may also suffer from low self-esteem, which makes it hard to realize that the problem is a mental illness, and not their fault.

Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties in interpreting social cues. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misread body language and be criticized for being rude or obnoxious. They might also have issues in controlling their impulses, so they may interrupt others or blurt out offensive phrases.

To improve their concentration, it is essential for women with inattentive type ADHD to get enough rest each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters, which may 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 lead a messy house and to difficulty paying bills on schedule. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family and friends members. They often get bored or distracted easily and are unable to wait for their turn in conversation. They are less likely to exhibit the symptoms of depression that are internalized 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. These symptoms are more common adhd symptoms among boys and men. Health care professionals may not be attentive to these symptoms in women or girls or even ignore them, attributing them to mood disorders or societal stereotypes. ADHD rating scales are also skewed toward male behavior, making it difficult to recognize and measure these symptoms in women.

The good news is that there are options to manage ADHD as an adult woman, including taking medication. Finding a therapist or clinician who is skilled in treating ADHD among girls and women is crucial. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific symptoms and your lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you clarify your experience and help you reframe negative patterns of thinking as well as family psychoeducation or support group work.

Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to a regular sleep schedule and exercising regularly, as well as eating a balanced diet. 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, you should try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You can also consult your doctor to adjust the dosage or type of your medication as required. 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 may also suggest strategies to improve communication with your partner and with other people in your life.

Symptoms of Mixed Type

Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. The signs of this form of the disorder can include interruptions to others, uttering answers, or speaking without thinking. Women with this type of the disorder also experience difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often have difficulty to live independently.

In many instances, family members friends, teachers, or even family members are only able to notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. This can lead to girls and young women not being diagnosed. Gender bias and the tendency of people with adhd symptoms adults nhs to hide their symptoms is another reason for ADHD Symptoms in Women underdiagnosis.

The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In these instances estrogen levels decrease, and progesterone levels increase. This can make ADHD symptoms more noticeable and can cause them to worsen. Furthermore the symptoms are likely to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or insufficient treatment.

In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people overcome negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are offered through local mental health clinics as well as on the internet.

Regular physical activity, such as swimming, walking or running can help increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Taking regular breaks, setting up daily routines and using organizational strategies are other ways to manage ADHD. Support groups can be very beneficial in learning about lifestyle changes and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide customized, individual guidance for some. Certain people suffering from this condition benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can teach the person to become aware of how their behavior impacts others and assist them in developing communication skills.

Adult Type Symptoms

Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different from those of men. The gender roles of women can make it difficult for teachers and parents to recognize the problem. It can also be hidden by depression or mental health issues which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms can also change in accordance with hormone levels, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during menopausal and pregnancy.

Women suffering from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have difficulty remembering details, and get distracted by what your friends are doing or by your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD could affect your work, school, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends might be aware that you are having difficulty adhering to instructions and keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may note that you have trouble getting tasks completed on time or having 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 in motion, you disrupt other people, talk excessively or use a lot of nonsense words without considering what you're saying. You're unable to wait for your turn, or maintain eye contact. You are irritable and frequently suffer from mood swings, which could be difficult for your close friends and family to tolerate.

You may struggle to control your emotions, especially in times of trauma or stress. You might react too strongly to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. It may be easier to deal with these feelings by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.

The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. You might consider working with a life management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You may also seek advice from a professional counselor with 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 may affect your ADHD symptoms.