Blog entry by Arlette Wilkes
ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have unique problems. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in work and relationships.
The reason for this is gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. The growing awareness has resulted in more adults receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms in women are different from those experienced by men and can be aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
The Signs of Inattention Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused in completing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may have trouble organizing and may find it difficult to keep track of their obligations, including paying bills or returning phone calls, as well as sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments and are often late for social or work occasions or show up late to meetings.
The symptoms of inattentive type ADHD are less noticeable than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms adhd in adults 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 experience emotional distress, which can result in poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
In the end, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can seem overwhelming. Many people blame themselves and engage in unhealthy coping strategies, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others turn to unhealthy habits like eating too much and dieting. Teenagers and young girls may self-injure to cope with their anger at not being able meet social expectations. This could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these challenges it's no surprise that women with inattentive type adhd burnout symptoms are more prone to anxiety and depression which can make it even harder to manage their ADHD symptoms. In addition, these women may have low self-esteem, which makes it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by mental health issues rather than being the result of their own blame.
Girls with inattention ADHD may also have difficulties in interpreting social signals. This can make them appear aloof and oblivious. They may miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or inconsiderate. They may also be struggling in controlling their impulses, so they could disrupt others or utter hurtful phrases.
To help improve their concentration, it's essential for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. 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 having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget their appointments, or the names and faces of family members or friends. They often get bored or distracted easily and are unable to wait for their turn in a conversation. They are less likely than males and females to experience internalizing symptoms like anxiety or depression.
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 care professionals might not be able to spot these symptoms in women and girls or might ignore them, blaming them to gender stereotypes or mood issues. ADHD rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, making it difficult to detect and assess these symptoms in women.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD in an adult woman. This includes taking medication. Finding a therapist or a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD in women and girls is key. The type of treatment recommended will be based on the signs and lifestyle. It may include cognitive behavioral therapies to confirm your experience and assist you to reframe negative thought patterns and family psychoeducation, or even support group work.
For some, a consistent sleep routine, regular exercise and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of adhd Hyperactivity symptoms in adults get worse. During this time, try to maintain a close eye on your health, schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and adhere to your treatment plan carefully. You may also consult your doctor to modify the dosage or type of your medications as needed. Talk with your counselor or therapist about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work, at home, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at work and school but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They might miss appointments, lose important documents or pay bills and have trouble getting things done at home. This form of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, speak without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women with this type of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live independently.
In many cases, family or friends are the only ones who can notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. This can lead to girls and young women being underdiagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD symptoms to hide them.
The symptoms of this type of dsm adhd symptoms are affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur during puberty, and during pregnancy and menopause. During these times, estrogen decreases and progesterone rises. This combination makes ADHD symptoms more apparent and makes them worse. Furthermore the symptoms are likely to change from day to day, depending on the levels of estrogen and progesterone. This could lead to misdiagnosis and improper or inadequate treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the combined type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people overcome negative behavior and thoughts, as well as psychoeducational counseling. Both are available on the internet and in local mental clinics.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like walking, swimming or running can help increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce anxiety or stress, which are common in those suffering from ADHD. Making sure to take regular breaks, setting up daily routines and using strategies for organization are also ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be very beneficial in learning about changes in lifestyle and strategies for coping. A professional ADHD coach can provide individualized individual guidance to those who have. People with ADHD may also benefit from cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person recognize their behavior and how it affects others. They may also improve their communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD may exhibit symptoms that differ from men. Diagnosing and treating the condition for women can be complicated due to gender role expectations, which makes it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when a girl has a problem with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be concealed by depression or mental health issues, making it harder to identify. The symptoms can also change in accordance in response to hormones, such as those experienced during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to be affected by inattention. You lose things, have trouble remembering details, and get distracted by what others are doing or your thoughts. Your inattentive ADHD can affect your schoolwork, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends might notice that you have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments, or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be aware that you are 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're constantly on the go, disrupt other people, talk excessively or use a lot of nonsense words without considering what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn or keep eye contact. You can be impatient and suffer from mood swings that can be difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may have trouble controlling your emotions, particularly in times of stress or trauma. You may react more strongly to criticism or start fights even if the situation is not serious. You may find it 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. Consider working with a life coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek help from a professional counselor who has expertise in treating women suffering from this disorder. You may want to talk with a psychiatrist who can help you better understand how your genetics or brain activity could influence your ADHD symptoms.