Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women can also be affected by ADHD symptoms, but they are more common in men and boys. The symptoms may change based on the time of the year due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
Finding a diagnosis and getting treatment is a crucial first step. Controlling ADHD with medication and therapy improves 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 of estrogen. Female hormones also change during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal. This can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medications. Symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by various mood disorders, like anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from these disorders are often embarrassed of their symptoms and are reluctant to report them to their doctor, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause a variety of issues in women's lives. For instance, it could make it difficult to keep the job or keep up with schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, like failing to pay bills or forgetting appointments and bills. It can also affect relationships and create feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD also struggle with gender roles within society and are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which can increase their stress and anxiety in relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse over time. They can also become more apparent when a woman is stressed or undergoing a major life event. For example, a woman might have more trouble with symptoms at workplace or at home after having a divorce, becoming having children or becoming pregnant.
Women can manage their symptoms through a combination of behavioral strategies and therapy. A therapist can teach them organizational and time management skills and aid in improving their overall performance. They could benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Because of gender stereotypes, females and girls might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to 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 adhd symptoms women in the presentation of symptoms females and girls are more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as compared to males and females.
Inattention ADHD symptoms may include disorganization, forgetfulness or problems with time management at home and at work. This could result in delays in appointments, problems 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 issues can affect relationships, affect school and work performance, and cause issues at home or in a relationship.
For many years, ADHD was thought to be a condition that only affected males and boys. The first studies of ADHD focused primarily on hyperactive boys' behavior which influenced the diagnostic criteria and rating systems that are still in use today. This led to the notion that ADHD was only a problem for boys. Many girls and women weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes.
As girls and adolescents become adults, they might continue to experience difficulties navigating daily life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep a clean home, and manage their daily routines could result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression that can make it harder to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD which includes 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 depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about which medication is most appropriate for your needs.
In addition to medication, your doctor may recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and build confidence in yourself. They can teach you healthy strategies for coping and help your family members be aware of the condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. Or they can offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one to understand ADHD and develop coping techniques.
Women may have different ADHD symptoms than men. Women with inattentive ADHD might find it difficult to keep track of their time 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. In the end, they may feel misunderstood or even ashamed of their condition.
Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can affect your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormonal levels, your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, when the surge of estrogen can balance out the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor may recommend participating in a clinical trial. These studies are designed to discover new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases.
Medication
Women with ADHD have their own unique issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They must deal with an intricate interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. They must also contend with rejection sensitivity which can cause them to feel ashamed when they don't live up to social expectations. This is a contributing factor to their difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to hide their struggles and try to blend in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own anxiety and often assume that their behavior is "normal."
Due to these reasons this makes it harder for women and girls to get an accurate diagnosis than males and females. Moreover their symptoms tend to be less severe and more inattentive rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Medicines can reduce the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. These medications are often the first choice for patients suffering from ADHD, however they should be monitored as some individuals may have a serious reaction to these medications. There are also non-stimulant medications available, and these medications can be combined with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to improve symptoms.
It is essential for people with ADHD to inform their health care provider about any issues they have had prior to being diagnosed to ADHD, because they can use this information when creating the treatment plan. They can also ask for their doctor to refer them to a mental healthcare specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD in girls and women. These professionals can provide counseling and psychotherapy, lifestyle management techniques as well as school and job accommodations and other treatments that aid in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women with ADHD are often faced with a range of difficulties which include misdiagnosis, as well as undiagnosed symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD are skewed toward male behaviors, and females with the condition tend to suffer from more internalized signs such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women have a variety of symptoms, with inattention symptom manifestation being more prevalent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms.
The first step is to talk to a primary health care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a mental health professional. Many women discover that having a diagnosis can help them recognize their struggles and deal with them more effectively.
A doctor will typically prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Most stimulant medications are prescribed however, non-stimulants can be an option for a few people. Doctors can also suggest therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
Family support is crucial to tackling the symptoms of ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people understand the challenges that ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn to handle issues caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to ask for assistance or admit that they require help. A doctor can help overcome this hurdle by explaining how ADHD affects the person and guiding them through coping strategies to improve their performance in the classroom and at work. They can also request coworkers and teachers for minor adjustments to make it easier to achieve their goals in their job or classes.