Blog entry by Cody Warby

Anyone in the world

ADHD Symptoms in Women

Adult women with ADHD face challenges that many don't realize. Untreated symptoms can cause chaos in relationships and work.

Underdiagnosis is the result of gender discrimination and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. The increased awareness has resulted in more adults receiving the care they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those in men. They can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and menopause.

Inattention Type Symptoms

Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task, completing tasks and making mistakes. They may also misunderstand or make careless errors. They may struggle with organization and may have difficulty to keep on top of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments and often miss work or social events or show up late for meetings.

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. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms can experience emotional stress. This can lead to poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety.

In the end, the challenges list of adhd symptoms living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unhealthy strategies for coping that include drinking too much and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. For some girls, especially teens, the frustration of not being able to meet social expectations can lead to self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like cutting, burning or scratching.

It's not a surprise that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This makes it more difficult to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition they may suffer from low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by an illness of the mind instead of being their blame.

Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties understanding social signals. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may not be able to catch jokes, misread body language, or be criticized as being rude or obnoxious. They may also have difficulties in controlling their impulses, so they could disrupt others or utter hurtful phrases.

To increase their concentration, it's essential for women with inattention type adhd in older females symptoms to get enough sleep every night and avoid nicotine, caffeine and stimulants. Regular exercise can boost neurotransmitters that can aid with concentration.

lesser known symptoms of adhd (related internet page) 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 clutter in the home and problems paying bills on time. They might also forget appointments, or the names of family members and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. 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. Because these symptoms are more prevalent in males and females healthcare professionals might not be able to spot them in girls and women or may ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it harder to identify and measure the symptoms of women.

The good news is that there are methods to manage ADHD as a mature woman and this includes taking medication. The key is finding a clinician and therapist experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The kind of treatment suggested will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and assist you to overcome negative thoughts and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.

Some people can lessen their symptoms by adhering to regular sleeping schedules exercise regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.

During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of ADHD worsen. During this time, you should try to maintain a close eye on your health and schedule regular doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask your health care provider to alter the type or dosage of your medications as required. Talk to your therapist regarding the challenges you face in dealing with your symptoms and how they impact you at work, home, and in your relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and with other people in your life.

Signs of Mixed Type

Women with mixed type ADHD struggle at school and at work, but they don't exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive behavior of the other subtypes. They might forget appointments or documents, fail to pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking and speak without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder may also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be a self-sufficient person.

In many instances, family members, friends, or teachers are only able to notice the symptoms of inattention ADHD. This means that young women and girls with this disorder are underdiagnosed. This is caused by gender bias and the tendency of people who suffer from ADHD symptoms to hide them.

The symptoms of this type of ADHD are caused by hormonal changes, especially in puberty as well as during menopausal and prenatal. In these instances estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and can cause them to worsen. Additionally the symptoms are likely to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This can result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or inadequate treatment.

In addition to medications, psychotherapy can be used to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible via the internet as well as through local mental clinics.

Regular physical exercise, like running, swimming, or walking can increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost brain function and decrease anxiety or stress, which are most common adhd symptoms in people with ADHD. Other strategies to manage ADHD include taking breaks regularly, creating daily routines, and using methods for organizing. Support groups can be helpful in learning about changes in lifestyle and coping strategies. For certain people, a professional adhd ocd symptoms coach is a great option for individual, personalized guidance. Some people with this disorder also benefit from cognitive or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person to be aware of how their behavior impacts others and help them develop communication skills.

The signs of an adult type

Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that are different from those of men. Finding and treating the problem in women is complicated by gender role expectations, which can make it harder for teachers or parents to determine if the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. It is also hidden by mental health or depression issues, making it harder to identify. The symptoms can also change with hormone levels, like those that occur during menstrual cycles or during menopausal and pregnancy.

Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You are prone to losing things, having trouble remembering details, and be distracted by what other people are doing or your thoughts. Your inattention ADHD can impact your school, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends might be aware that you are having difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may note that you have trouble completing tasks in time or have trouble staying focused during 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 disturb others, talk too much or make statements that make no sense without thinking. You can't wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You are irritable and frequently suffer from mood swings, which can be difficult for your close friends and family to tolerate.

You might have difficulty controlling your emotions, especially in times of stress or trauma. You may react strongly to criticism or be more prone to start fights, even if the situation isn't threatening. You may find it easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive actions like drug and alcohol consumption or unhealthy eating habits.

i-want-great-care-logo.pngWomen diagnosed with ADHD can improve their lives by implementing the appropriate treatment. It is possible to work with a life-management coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding how your genes or brain activity can influence your ADHD symptoms.