How ADHD Symptoms In Women Rose To The #1 Trend On Social Media
ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women with ADHD have their own unique problems. Untreated symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work.
The reason for this is gender bias and the tendency for girls and women to conceal their symptoms. The growing awareness has led to more people getting the help they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those of men, and are often aggravated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Inattention Type symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD can have difficulty staying focused performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make a mistake. They may have trouble keeping track of their obligations like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They may also forget appointments, and frequently miss work or social occasions or show up late to meetings.
The symptoms of inattentive type ADHD are less noticeable than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms in boys and men, so it's possible that women and girls who have these symptoms don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. Many people who aren't treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that can result in poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses like anxiety or depression.
The challenges of living with ADHD that isn't properly treated can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope that include drinking too much and drug abuse. Some people turn to unhealthy habits, such as eating too much or losing weight. Some young girls and teenagers may self-injure to cope with their frustration over not being able to meet their social expectations. This could take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
Because of these challenges it's no surprise that women with inattentive type ADHD are prone to anxiety and depression, which can make it more difficult to manage their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, these women may have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to acknowledge that their problems stem from mental health issues instead of being their responsibility.
Girls with inattentive ADHD can also have difficulty interpreting social cues, making them appear aloof or oblivious to others. They might miss jokes, misread body language, and even be criticised for being rude or offensive. They may also have difficulties in controlling their impulses, so they may disrupt others or utter hurtful words.
To improve their focus, it's important for women suffering from inattention type ADHD to get enough sleep each night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters that can aid with concentration.
Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Women and adolescent girls with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD can find it hard to concentrate or organize. This can result in a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget about their appointments or the names and faces of family members or friends. They are easily distracted or bored and can't wait to be heard. They are less likely than men and boys to experience internalizing symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more common for both genders. More may not be attentive to the symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be biased toward male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to assess and detect for women.
The good news is that there are ways to manage ADHD as a mature woman as well as taking medication. The key is finding an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD in girls and women. The type of therapy you are recommended for will be based on your specific symptoms and your lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify your symptoms and change negative thinking patterns, family psychoeducation, or help with group work.
Some people can reduce their symptoms by following an established schedule of sleep and exercising regularly, as well as eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
During menopause, when hormone levels decrease, a lot of symptoms of ADHD get worse. During this time, try to stay on top of your health and schedule doctor's appointments, monitor your symptoms, and follow your treatment plan carefully. You can also ask that your doctor alter the dosage or the type of medication you're taking if needed. Speak to your therapist about the issues you have with managing your symptoms, and how they impact your work, at home and in your relationships. signs of adhd might also suggest ways to improve your communication with other people and your partner.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women who have mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in working and at school however they do not exhibit the hyperactive or impulsive signs of the other subtypes. They may miss appointments and documents, or lose important documents or pay bills, and have difficulty working through home chores. The signs of this form of the disorder may also include interrupting others, blurting out answers and speaking without thinking. Women with this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and may find it difficult to be self-sufficient.
In a lot of instances, family members or friends are the only ones who can notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. This means that young women and girls suffering from this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of those with ADHD to camouflage their symptoms also contributes to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are influenced by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopausal. During these times, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. The symptoms may also differ from day to day, based on estrogen and progesterone levels. This can lead incorrect diagnosis and inadequate or inappropriate treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also be utilized to manage symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive behavior therapy, which helps change negative thoughts and behaviors and psychoeducational counseling. Both are available through local mental health clinics, as well as on the internet.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like walking, swimming or running, can help to improve attention and focus. It also releases neurotransmitters that help boost brain activity and reduce stress or anxiety. Regular breaks, creating daily routines and using organizational strategies are other ways to better manage ADHD. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and coping strategies. A professional ADHD coach can provide personalized individual guidance to those who have. Certain people with ADHD benefit from a cognitive-behavioral or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help the person recognize their behavior and how it affects others. They can also improve their communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women with ADHD may have different symptoms than men. Finding and treating the problem in women is a challenge due to gender role expectations, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to determine if the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be concealed by mental health or depression issues, making it harder to detect. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, such as those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Attention deficit symptoms are the most common for women suffering from ADHD. You tend to forget things, have difficulty recalling details, and are distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD could affect your schoolwork, work, marriages, and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your teacher or boss may be concerned that you aren't completing tasks in time or have trouble staying focused in meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always on the go, disrupt other people, speak too loudly or use a lot of nonsense words without thinking about what you're saying. You have trouble waiting for your turn and struggle to maintain eye contact with other people. You may be irritable and experience mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to tolerate.
It may be difficult to control your emotions, especially in times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to start fights, even if the situation isn't that serious. You may find it easier for you to cope with these feelings by engaging in self destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol abuse, or unhealthy eating patterns.
The right treatment can help women with ADHD improve their lives. Think about working with a coach or joining an online ADHD support group. You can also seek professional counseling from a professional who has treated women with this disorder. You might want to talk with a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity can affect your ADHD symptoms.