Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Although ADHD symptoms are more common for men and boys however, women can be affected by the disorder too. Symptoms can vary at different times, as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can exacerbate them.
Being diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Controlling ADHD through therapy and medication can improve 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 have to do with the structure of the brain or levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Female hormones also change during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal. This can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or exacerbated by anxiety depression and other mood disorders. Women with these comorbid disorders often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and don't inform their doctor, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create problems in a variety of 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 lead to financial issues, such as not paying bills or forgetting appointments and bills. It can lead to low self-esteem and affect relationships. Women with ADHD also struggle with societal expectations of gender roles and are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which can increase their stress and anxiety in relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD are more severe over time. They may also be more noticeable when a woman is under stress or is going through an important life event. For example, a woman might have more issues with symptoms at workplace or at home after having a divorce, becoming being pregnant or having children.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms by combining therapy with behavioral strategies. A therapist can assist them to 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, girls and women may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to a 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 difference in symptom presentations females and girls are more likely to be misdiagnosed more often than males and females.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms can include disorganization, forgetfulness, or difficulties in managing time both at home and at work. This can lead to missed appointments, difficulty paying bills on time and difficulty keeping up with school or work obligations. 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 disruption to relationships, hinder work and school performance and create problems at home or in the course of a relationship.
For many years, ADHD has been considered as a condition that only affects males and girls. The early studies of ADHD focused primarily on hyperactive boys' behaviors which influenced the diagnostic criteria and rating systems that are still employed today. This led to the notion 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 could have issues navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep an orderly home and manage their daily routines could cause feelings of inadequacy. Women can also suffer from mood disorders such as anxiety and depression that makes it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available for 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 can also help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will inform you about the medications that are most appropriate for your needs.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medication. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and increase your self-esteem. They can teach you healthy strategies for coping and help your family to be aware of the condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. Or they can offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one better comprehend ADHD and develop coping strategies.
Women can experience different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. Women with inattention ADHD may 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 feel ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms.
The changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can affect your ADHD symptoms. The treatment plan you follow will be based on the current levels of hormones and your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, as estrogen levels increase to neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor might also suggest that you participate in a research study. These studies are designed to uncover new ways to identify, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD have particular challenges to manage their symptoms. They have to manage an intricate interaction between gender expectations and executive functioning issues. They also have to contend with the sensitivity of rejection that can lead to feelings of shame when they don't meet social expectations. This dynamic can make it difficult for them to establish and maintain relationships. They may develop coping strategies to hide their struggles and try to fit in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. In addition, they struggle to recognize their own anxiety and feelings, and often believe that their behavior is "normal."
Because of these reasons, girls and women are less likely than boys and men to receive an accurate diagnose. Moreover the symptoms of women tend to be less severe and more attentive, rather than hyperactive. This means they are less likely to cause concern. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment.
The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. The stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for these patients, but they must be carefully watched as some people may have a serious reaction to 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.
It is essential for people with ADHD to inform their doctor about any previous issues related to ADHD as they will be able to use this information when creating a treatment plan. They can also request that their health care provider recommends them to a mental healthcare professional who is experienced in treating ADHD among women and girls. They can provide psychotherapy and counseling and lifestyle management techniques, job accommodations, and school accommodations.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD have a variety of challenges, such as the misdiagnosis of symptoms or not being recognized. Rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors, and women who suffer from the condition are more likely to develop more internalized symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women are more likely to exhibit different symptoms, with an inattention appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms.
First, you should speak to your primary care physician. adhd in women treatment can assess your symptoms and refer you to a mental health professional. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their issues more efficiently and better manage them.
A doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are also available to certain people. Doctors can also suggest therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people overcome negative thinking patterns and behavior. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and improve relationships.
Managing the symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people comprehend the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to handle issues caused by inattention or impulsive behaviors, like inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have a hard time asking for assistance or admitting that they require assistance. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them explain how ADHD impacts their lives, and also by providing them with strategies to boost their performance at school and work. They can also ask co-workers and teachers for minor adjustments to enable them to succeed in their jobs or classes.