Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, but they are more prevalent for boys and men. The symptoms can be different in different seasons, since hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make them worse.
Being diagnosed and receiving treatment is an important first step. adhd in women signs of ADHD with medication and therapy 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 have to do with brain structure or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal which affects the way ADHD medication works. The symptoms of ADHD are also covered by various mood disorders, like anxiety and depression. People with these comorbid disorders often feel ashamed of their symptoms and are reluctant to disclose them to their doctor, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas of a woman's daily life. It is often difficult to sustain the pace of work or keep up with schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, such as forgetting appointments or bills and a lack of payment. It can affect relationships and cause feelings of low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles that society expects of them. They are also more likely to internalize their issues which can cause more stress and relationship issues.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time passes. They may also be more noticeable when a woman is under stress or going through an important life event. For example women may experience more issues with symptoms at home or at work following getting divorced, pregnant or having children.
Women can manage their symptoms with the combination 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. It may also be beneficial to work with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Due to gender stereotypes, women and girls might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to 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. Because of this difference in the way symptoms are presented, girls and women are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed than boys and men.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can manifest as disorganization, forgetfulness or difficulties with time management at home and at work. This can lead to missed appointments, difficulty paying bills on time, and difficulty completing school 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, at home, as well as at school.
For many years, ADHD has been considered an illness that affects only males and girls. Early studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behaviors and helped to develop the diagnostic criteria and rating systems used today. This led to the assumption that ADHD was only a problem for male children. A lot of women and girls were not diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not consistent with the stereotypes.
As girls and adolescents become adults, they might continue to experience difficulties navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Additionally, their struggles to organize their finances, maintain an orderly home and keep up with daily routines can lead to feelings of inadequate. Women can also be affected by mood disorders like anxiety and depression that can make it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for adults with ADHD that include 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 also help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will consult with you about which medications are the best for you.
In addition to medication, your doctor may recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and boost your confidence in yourself. They can help you learn healthy strategies for coping and help your family members be aware of your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer family psychoeducation which helps your loved ones understand ADHD and develop coping techniques.
Women may have different ADHD symptoms in comparison to men. For example women with inattentive-type ADHD might struggle to stay organized at home and work 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.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan will depend on the current levels of hormones and your age and stage in life. You might notice that your symptoms are more severe during pregnancy because the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might recommend taking part in a clinical study. These studies investigate new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions.
Medication
Women with ADHD face unique difficulties in managing their symptoms. They have to manage an intricate interaction between gender expectations and executive functioning issues. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection, which can lead to feelings of shame when they don't meet social expectations. This is a contributing factor to their difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to cover up their issues and try to fit in, which can disguise their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they struggle to identify their own troubling emotions and frequently assume their behaviors are "normal."
Because of these issues, it's harder for girls and women to receive an accurate diagnosis than men and boys. Moreover the symptoms of women tend to be less severe and more attentive, rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This could lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD among women and girls. Drugs that stimulate are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they need to be monitored carefully as certain people may have a serious reaction to these medications. Non-stimulant drugs are also available, and these drugs can be combined with psychotherapy and other treatments to reduce symptoms.
The individuals should inform their doctor about any previous difficulties related to ADHD. They can then 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 for girls and women. These specialists can offer counseling and psychotherapy and strategies for managing lifestyle such as job accommodations, school accommodations.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD have many difficulties, including misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. Rating scales for ADHD are skewed toward male behaviors, and females with ADHD tend to experience more internalized symptoms like depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also experience various symptom manifestations and symptoms of inattention being more frequent than hyperactive or hyperactive symptoms.
The first step is to talk to a primary health care provider. They will evaluate your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their challenges more effectively and manage them better.
Typically doctors prescribe medications to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available to certain people. Doctors may prescribe therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to assist people in changing negative thoughts and behavior. They can also give advice on how to improve communication and relationships.
Support from family members is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to recognize the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to manage issues caused by impulsive or inattentive behaviors, like inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people with ADHD struggle with asking for assistance or admitting they require assistance. A doctor can help overcome this barrier by explaining how ADHD affects the person and teaching them coping techniques to boost their performance at school and at work. They could also ask their colleagues or teachers for minor adjustments to help them achieve their goals in school or at work.