Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women also have ADHD symptoms, but they are more common in boys and men. The symptoms can vary based on the season, due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms.
The diagnosis and treatment are essential first steps. Controlling ADHD by taking medication and therapy improves relationships, school and work 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 with brain structure or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Female hormones also change during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, which can affect the way ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or exacerbated by anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Women who suffer from these disorders are often embarrassed of their symptoms and do not inform their doctor, making it difficult to identify and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in the daily routine of a woman. It is often difficult to sustain the pace of work or keep up with schoolwork. It can also lead to financial problems, like missing payments or forgetting about appointments and bills. It can cause low self-esteem and negatively impact relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles of society. They also tend to dwell on their symptoms, which can lead to an increase in stress and relationship problems.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time passes. They can also become more prominent when women are stressed or is going through an important life event. When a woman is divorced or becomes pregnant, or has children, she could experience more issues with symptoms at home or at work.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms using the combination of behavioral strategies and therapy. A therapist can assist them to improve their overall functioning by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. They could also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Females and females may struggle to determine the correct diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and the 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 variation in symptom presentations females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed more often than boys and men.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms may include disorganization, forgetfulness or problems in managing time both at home and at work. This could lead to missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time and difficulty keeping up with 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 at home and in school.
For many years, ADHD has been considered as a condition that only affects males and boys. The first studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behaviors which influenced the diagnostic criteria and rating systems that are still in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD only impacted 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 daily routines as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain an orderly home and maintain their daily routines could cause feelings of inadequacy. adhd symptoms in women adults as depression and anxiety may also co-occur with ADHD in women, which can further complicate the ability to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from 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 discuss with you the medications that are most appropriate for your particular condition.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Specialized therapists for ADHD can teach you how to manage your symptoms, and can help you build self-esteem. They can also teach you healthy strategies for coping and help your family understand the severity of your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavioral 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 understand your ADHD and learn coping strategies.
Women may have different ADHD symptoms in comparison to men. Women who are not attentive to ADHD might find it difficult to stay organized both at work and home, or forget 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 ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms.
Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual period, pregnancy and menopause may influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan will depend on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. You may notice that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, when the surge of estrogen can help balance the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor may also suggest taking part in a clinical trial. These studies aim to discover new methods to prevent, detect or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women with ADHD face unique problems in managing their symptoms. They must deal with complex interactions between gender expectations and executive functioning problems. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection, which can cause feelings of shame when they can't keep up with social expectations. This is a contributing factor to their difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to conceal their struggles and try to fit in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own distressing feelings and often assume that their behavior is "normal."
Due to these factors females and girls are less likely than boys and men to receive a correct diagnosis. Moreover their symptoms tend to be less severe and inattentive rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to raise concerns. This could cause them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
Medications help control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. Drugs that stimulate are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they should be monitored closely as some patients may experience a severe reaction to these medications. Non-stimulant medications are also available. These medications can be combined with psychotherapy and behavioral treatments in order to improve symptoms.
The individuals should inform their healthcare provider about any past issues that they have had with ADHD. They can then use this information to formulate an treatment plan. They can also request for their doctor to recommends them to a mental health specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD in girls and women. These specialists may offer psychotherapy and counseling as well as lifestyle management strategies as well as school and job accommodations and other treatments that assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD face a number of issues, including the misdiagnosis of symptoms or not being recognized. The scales used to rate ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors. Women with ADHD are also more likely to develop internalized symptoms like depression and anxiety. Women also experience various symptom manifestations, with inattentive symptoms showing up more often than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
The first step is to speak to a primary health care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend you to a specialist in mental health. Many women find that a diagnosis helps them face their challenges more effectively and manage them better.
Typically doctors will prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Most stimulant medications are prescribed, but non-stimulants are an option for some people. Doctors can also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can help people change negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
Family support is essential for managing the symptoms of ADHD. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people understand the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to deal with problems caused by impulsive or inattentive behaviors, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people with ADHD are unable to getting assistance or admitting that they require assistance. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives and by teaching them coping strategies to boost their performance at work and school. They can also ask their co-workers or teachers for small accommodations that will allow them to succeed in class or at work.