Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women also have ADHD symptoms, but they are more prevalent for boys and men. The symptoms can be different at different times, as hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal symptoms can cause them to worsen.
Treatment and diagnosis are important first steps. Managing ADHD with medication and therapy can improve the quality of 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 the brain's structure or levels like estrogen. Female hormones can change during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medication. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or exacerbated by anxiety depression, and other mood disorders. adhd symptoms in adult women with these comorbid conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms, and they aren't willing to report them to their doctors which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create problems in many aspects of a woman's life. It can be challenging to maintain a career or keep up with schoolwork. It can also create financial problems, like being late to appointments or paying bills, and late payments. It can cause low self-esteem, which can affect relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles that society expects of them. They also tend to internalize their symptoms, which can lead to an increase in stress and relationship problems.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe as time goes by. They may also become more obvious when a person is stressed or going through a major life event. For example, a woman might have more trouble with symptoms at home or at work after getting divorced, being pregnant or having children.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms with the use of therapy and behavioral strategies. Therapists can help them improve their overall functioning by teaching them the art of time management and organizational skills. They may benefit from working with an ADHD coach or joining an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Girls and women may struggle to receive a clear diagnosis because of 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. Due to this distinction in the presentation of symptoms gender, women and girls are more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to males and females.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can show up as a lack of focus, confusion or difficulties with time management at home and work. This could result in delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time and difficulty keeping up with 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 signs can cause issues in relationships, at work, at home and in school.
For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only affecting boys and men. The first studies on ADHD mostly focused on the behaviors of hyperactive boys, which helped define diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for male children and that many women and girls weren't diagnosed because their behaviors didn't fit the traditional stereotypes of the disorder.
Untreated ADHD can cause adolescents and girls to struggle with their lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain their home in order, and manage their daily routines can result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also be affected by mood issues like depression and anxiety that can make it harder to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults 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 depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about which medication is the best for you.
Your doctor may also recommend therapy in addition to medication. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and boost your confidence in yourself. They can also help you learn healthy coping strategies and help your family understand the severity of your condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved ones comprehend ADHD and develop coping techniques.
Women can experience ADHD symptoms that are different 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 might be uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms.
The fluctuation in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause can affect how your ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you follow will be based on the current levels of hormones and your age and stage of life. You may notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, when estrogen levels increase to help balance the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor might also suggest that you participate in a study conducted by a clinical researcher. These studies are designed to uncover new ways to identify, prevent or treat diseases.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties in managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complicated interplay between gender expectations and executive function problems. They must also deal with the sensitivity of rejection which can lead them to feel embarrassed when they don't live up to social expectations. This can make it difficult for them to build and keep relationships. They may develop coping strategies to conceal their struggles and they may try to fit in. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own distressing feelings and often assume that their behavior is "normal."
Due to these factors females and girls are less likely than men and boys to receive an accurate diagnose. Additionally their symptoms tend to be more unresponsive than hyperactive and aren't likely to trigger alarm. This could cause them to be misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
Medications help control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. These medications are often the first option for those suffering from the disorder, but they must be monitored as some individuals may suffer a serious reaction these drugs. Non-stimulant drugs are also available. These drugs can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and behavioral treatments in order to alleviate symptoms.
They should inform their doctor about any prior issues with ADHD. They can use this information to develop an treatment plan. They can also request their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has expertise in treating ADHD for girls and women. These professionals can provide psychotherapy and counseling and methods for managing your lifestyle, job accommodations, and school accommodations.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a range of challenges which include misdiagnosis, as well as undiagnosed symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD are skewed toward male behaviors, and women who suffer from the condition are more likely 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 symptoms.
The first step is to speak to a primary health care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their difficulties more effectively and manage them better.
Typically doctors will prescribe medications to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are, but non-stimulants are an option for a few people. Doctors may also recommend therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also advise on ways to improve communication and relationships.
The treatment of symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people comprehend the challenges ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn to deal with problems caused by impulsive or inattentive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek assistance or admit that they need help. A doctor can help overcome this hurdle by explaining how ADHD affects the person and guiding them through coping strategies to boost their performance at school and at work. They could also ask their colleagues or teachers for small accommodations that will help them achieve their goals in school or at work.