Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Although ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in boys and men but women can also be affected by the disorder too. The symptoms can vary based on the time of the year due to hormonal fluctuations that happen during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms.
Finding a diagnosis and getting treatment is an important first step. Controlling ADHD through therapy and medication can improve work relationships, social interactions and school performance.
Signs and symptoms
Women with ADHD often have inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive/impulsive type more common in boys and men. This could be related with the structure of the brain or levels of chemicals such as estrogen. The female hormones can also change during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medications. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or worsened by anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Women who suffer from these conditions often feel more shame about their symptoms and aren't able to disclose them to their physicians and make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in many areas of a woman's life. For instance, it can make it difficult to keep the job or keep up with schoolwork. It can also lead to financial problems, like not paying bills or appointments, and a lack of payment. It can also affect relationships and cause feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD also struggle with gender roles in society and are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which can cause their distress and difficulty with relationships.
Symptoms of ADHD are more severe as time goes by. They may also be more noticeable when an individual is stressed or experiencing an important life event. For instance women might experience more trouble with symptoms at home or at work following being divorced, being pregnant or having children.
Women can learn how to manage their symptoms by combining therapy and behavioral strategies. Therapists can help them develop the art of time management and organization and aid in improving their overall functioning. They could benefit from working with an ADHD coach or joining an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Due to gender stereotypes, females and girls may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to a tendency to hide ADHD symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD in girls and women tend to be more inattentive, whereas boys and men often have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Due to this variation in symptom presentations females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed a lot more often than men and boys.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can include a lack of focus, confusion or issues with time management both at home and at work. This could lead to missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time, and struggling to keep up with schoolwork or work. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD in women can present as restless behavior, frequent need to move around, difficulty staying quiet or talking out loud or saying nonsensical words or phrases. These symptoms can lead to problems in relationships at work, at home and in school.
For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only an issue for boys and men. The early studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behavior, which helped shape the diagnostic criteria and rating systems in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for boys. Many women and girls weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not consistent with the stereotypes.
As girls and adolescent girls become adults, they may continue to experience difficulties navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep a clean home and manage their daily routines can lead to feelings of inadequateness. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety can also co-occur with ADHD in women, which can further complicate the ability to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include medication. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin(r)), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall(r)) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse(r)) help improve focus and motivation, reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and increase working memory and verbal memory. They can also reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk with you which medications are the most suitable for your condition.
In addition to medications Your doctor might also suggest therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and build self-esteem. They can also help you learn healthy strategies to cope and assist your family members in understanding the severity of your condition. They can offer cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones. Or More methods can offer psychoeducation for the family, which can help your loved one better understand ADHD and develop strategies for coping.
Women may have different ADHD symptoms than men. For instance women with inattentive-type ADHD might struggle to stay organized at work and home or be unable to remember appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They might feel uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms.
Changing hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can affect how your ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you choose to follow is based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. It is possible that your symptoms improve during pregnancy because the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might recommend participating in a clinical trial. These studies are designed to find new ways to identify, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women who suffer from ADHD have unique difficulties when it comes to managing their symptoms. They have to manage a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive functioning problems. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection that can lead them to feel embarrassed when they don't meet social expectations. This dynamic can make it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships. They may develop coping mechanisms to cover up their issues, and may even try to blend into. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to identify their own anxiety and feelings, and often believe that their behavior is "normal."
Due to these reasons that make it more difficult for women and girls to receive an accurate diagnosis than men and boys. In addition the symptoms of women tend to be less severe and attentive, rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to trigger concern. This can cause them to be misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
Medicines can reduce the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they must be closely monitored as some patients may experience a severe response to these medications. Non-stimulant drugs are also available. These drugs can be combined psychotherapy and behavioral therapies to improve symptoms.
It's important for these individuals to tell their health care provider about any past difficulties related to ADHD, because they can use this information to create an treatment plan. They can also ask their health professionals to refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in treating ADHD both in girls and women. They can provide counseling and psychotherapy along with lifestyle management techniques, job accommodations, and school accommodations.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD face a number of difficulties, including misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. The scales used to rate ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Women with ADHD are also more likely to experience internalized symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Women also have different symptoms with inattention symptoms being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
First, you should speak to your primary care provider. They will assess your symptoms and recommend you to a mental health professional. Many women are aware that having a diagnosis helps them face their issues and manage them better.
Typically, a doctor will prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available for some people. Doctors may also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can assist people in changing negative thoughts and behavior. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
The support of family members is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Counseling and therapy for families can help people to understand the difficulties ADHD creates in their lives. They can also learn to manage issues caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions.
Many people with ADHD are reluctant to ask for assistance or admit that they require help. A doctor can help overcome this hurdle by explaining how ADHD affects their lives and guiding them through coping strategies to improve their performance in school and at work. They could also ask their colleagues or teachers for small accommodations to help them achieve their goals in school or at work.