Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Although ADHD symptoms are more common in boys and men, women can suffer from the disorder as well. The symptoms can change at different times, as hormone changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can exacerbate them.
Treatment and diagnosis are essential first steps. Controlling ADHD with therapy and medication improves relationships, work 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 due to the brain's structure or levels like estrogen. Also, female hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal which affects how well ADHD medications work. The symptoms of ADHD are also covered by a variety of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from these disorders often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and are reluctant to disclose them to their doctor, which makes it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in the daily routine of a woman. It is often difficult to sustain an occupation or manage schoolwork. It can also create financial issues, like forgetting appointments or bills and late payments. It can result in low self-esteem, which can affect relationships. Women with ADHD are also unable to navigate gender roles in society and are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which can increase their distress and difficulty with relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD are likely to worsen over time. They can also become more evident when a woman is stressed or going through an important life event. When a woman is divorced or becomes pregnant or has children, she could have more difficulty with symptoms at work or home.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms using the use of therapy and behavioral strategies. Therapists can help them improve their overall functioning by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. You may also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Women and girls may have a difficult time to determine the correct diagnosis due to gender stereotypes and a tendency to conceal 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 distinction in symptom presentation females and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed than boys and men.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetfulness, disorganization, or difficulties in managing time both at home and at work. This can lead to delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time, and difficulty completing work or school tasks. 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 cause problems in relationships at work, at home and in school.
For a long time, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and boys. The first studies of ADHD focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive. This helped define diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for boys. A lot of women and girls were not diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not in line with the stereotypes.
As girls and adolescent girls become adults, they may continue to experience difficulties navigating daily life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep their home in order, and manage their daily routines can lead to feelings of inadequateness. Women can also suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to people suffering from ADHD. This includes 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 also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will be able to discuss with you which medications best suit your condition.
In addition to medications Your doctor may also recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. They can also help you learn healthy coping strategies and help your family understand your condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones, or psychoeducation for the family, which helps your loved ones comprehend your ADHD and learn coping strategies.
Women can experience ADHD symptoms that differ from men. For instance women with inattentive-type ADHD may struggle to stay organised at home and at work or be forgetful of appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They may 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 and your age as well as the stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, when estrogen levels increase to neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you participate in a study conducted by a clinical researcher. These studies are designed to discover new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties in managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complex interplay between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to deal with rejection sensitivity which can cause them to feel embarrassed when they don't meet social expectations. This makes it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to cover up their issues and try to fit into the crowd, which may mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own feelings of distress and often believe that their behaviors are "normal."
Due to these factors, girls and women are less likely than boys and men to receive an accurate diagnose. In addition the symptoms of women tend to be more inattentive than hyperactive and thus don't easily arouse concern. This could cause them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
The medications assist in reducing the chemical imbalances which trigger the symptoms of ADHD among women and girls. These medications are often the first option for patients suffering from ADHD, however they must be watched as some people may experience a serious reaction to these medications. Non-stimulant medications are also available. These medications can be combined psychotherapy and behavioral therapies to treat symptoms.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to inform their health care provider about any previous issues related to ADHD in order to utilize this information when preparing an treatment plan. They can also ask their health professionals to refer them to a mental health professional with experience in treating ADHD both in girls and women. These specialists may offer counseling and psychotherapy methods for managing lifestyles as well as school and job accommodations and other therapies that assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women with ADHD have a variety of difficulties, including the misdiagnosis of symptoms or not being recognized. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behavior, and women with the condition tend to develop more internalized symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also experience various symptom manifestations, with inattentive symptoms showing up more often than hyperactive or hyperactive symptoms.
First, you should speak to your primary care provider. They will assess your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women are aware that having a diagnosis can help them accept their challenges and deal with them more effectively.
A doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Non-stimulant medicines are also available to certain people. Doctors can also recommend therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people overcome negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also offer advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
Managing the symptoms of ADHD requires the support of loved ones. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people recognize the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to deal with problems caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
high functioning adhd in women suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for assistance or admit that they need assistance. A doctor can help overcome this obstacle by explaining how ADHD affects them and guiding them through coping strategies to boost their performance at school and at work. They can also ask their co-workers or teachers for minor adjustments to help them succeed in class or at work.