Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women also have ADHD symptoms, although they are more prevalent for boys and men. The symptoms may change based on the time of the year due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms.
Getting diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Controlling ADHD through therapy and medication can improve relationships, work and school performance.
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 brain structure or levels of estrogen. Also, female hormones alter throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause which affects the effectiveness of ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or worsened by anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. People with these comorbid disorders tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms, and they aren't willing to inform their doctors, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in many areas of a woman's daily life. It can be challenging to maintain the pace of work or maintain a schedule for schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, like not paying bills or appointments, and missing payments. It can lead to low self-esteem, which can affect relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to navigate gender roles of society. They also tend to dwell on their symptoms, which can lead to increased distress and relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe over time. They can also be more noticeable when women are stressed or experiencing a major life event. After a woman gets divorced or becomes pregnant or has children, she may be more prone to experiencing symptoms at work or home.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms with a combination of therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them improve their overall performance by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. You may also find it beneficial to work with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Women and girls may have a difficult time to get an accurate diagnosis due to gender stereotypes and the 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. Because of this difference in the way symptoms are presented, girls and women are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as compared to males and females.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include a lack of focus, confusion or issues in managing time both at home and at work. This could lead to missed appointments, trouble paying bills on time and difficulties completing schoolwork or work 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 and school and at home.
For many years, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only an issue for males and boys. The early studies of ADHD focused primarily on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped shape the diagnostic criteria and rating systems used today. This led to the belief that ADHD only impacted male children and that many women and girls were not diagnosed because their behaviors did not fit the traditional stereotypes of the disorder.
Untreated ADHD can cause adolescents and girls to struggle with their daily lives as adults. In addition, their struggles to organize their finances, maintain a clean house and manage daily routines can result in feelings of inadequate. Women can also suffer from mood disorders like anxiety and depression that can make it harder to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD, including medications. 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 anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about which medication is the best for you.
In addition to medication Your doctor might also suggest therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms and build self-esteem. They can also teach you healthy strategies to cope and assist your family members in understanding the severity of your condition. They can offer cognitive behavioral therapy which helps you recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones, or psychoeducation for the family which can help your loved ones better know about your ADHD and learn coping strategies.
Women may have ADHD symptoms that are different from men. Women who are not attentive to ADHD might have difficulty to keep track of their time at home and at work or forget appointments or bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. In the end, they might feel misunderstood, or even ashamed of their condition.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle and pregnancy could affect your ADHD symptoms. The treatment plan you follow will be based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage in life. It is possible that your symptoms improve during pregnancy as the increase in estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you consider taking part in a clinical study. These trials are designed to find new ways to identify, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women with ADHD have unique problems in managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. They also have to contend with sensitivity to rejection, which can cause feelings of shame when they are unable to keep up with social expectations. This can make it difficult for them to build and keep relationships. They may develop coping mechanisms to conceal their struggles and may even try to blend in. This may mask their ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own anxiety and often believe that their behavior is "normal."
Because of these issues, it's harder for girls and women to get a clear diagnosis than males and females. Additionally their symptoms are more likely to be inactive than hyperactive, and therefore don't easily arouse concern. This could lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
The use of medications can help to reduce the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. The stimulant drugs are typically the first choice for patients with ADHD. However, they need to be monitored carefully as certain individuals may have a significant response to these medications. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and these medications can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to improve symptoms.
These individuals should tell their doctor about any prior issues that they have had with ADHD. They can use this information to create a treatment plan. add in women test may also request that their healthcare provider refer them to a mental healthcare specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD in girls and women. These specialists can offer counseling and psychotherapy and strategies for managing lifestyle, job accommodations, and school accommodations.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD have a myriad of challenges that can lead to misdiagnosis and a lack of recognition of symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors, and women with ADHD tend to experience more internalized symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women are more likely to exhibit different symptoms, with inattention symptom appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse symptom.
The first step is to speak to a primary health care provider. They will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend you to a specialist in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their difficulties more efficiently and effectively manage them.
Typically, a doctor will prescribe medication to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are also available to certain people. Doctors may prescribe therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to help people change negative thoughts and behavior. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and improve relationships.
The treatment of symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to understand the challenges ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn how to handle issues caused by impulsive or inattentive behaviors, like forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions.
Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to ask for assistance or admit that they need assistance. A doctor can help overcome this hurdle by explaining how ADHD affects the person and teaching them coping techniques to help them perform better in school and at work. They can also ask their co-workers or teachers for small accommodations that will allow them to succeed in class or at work.