Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
While ADHD symptoms are more common in males and females, women can suffer from the disorder as well. The symptoms can change at different times, as hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can exacerbate them.
Getting diagnosed and receiving treatment is a crucial first step. The treatment of ADHD through therapy and medication can improve work relationships, social interactions, 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 have to do with the structure of the brain or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Female hormones can change during the menstrual period or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal. This can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medication. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or worsened by anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Women with these comorbid conditions often feel more shame about their symptoms and aren't able to inform their doctors which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in a woman's daily life. It is often difficult to sustain the pace of work or manage schoolwork. It can also create financial problems, such as not paying bills or appointments, and missing payments. It can impact relationships and lead to feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD also have trouble navigating gender roles in society and are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which can increase their distress and difficulty with relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD can get worse over time. They may also be more noticeable when a woman is under stress or is going through an important life event. For example women may experience more trouble with symptoms at home or at work after having a divorce, becoming having children or becoming pregnant.
Women can learn how to manage their symptoms through combining therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them improve their overall functioning by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. You might also find it beneficial to work with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Due to gender stereotypes, girls and women may have difficulty 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. Due to this distinction in the presentation of symptoms, girls and women are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to boys and men.
Inattention ADHD symptoms include forgetfulness, disorganization or problems with time management both at home and at work. This can result in missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time, and difficulties completing schoolwork or work. 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, interfere with school and work performance, and create problems at home or in the course of a relationship.
For a long time, ADHD has been considered as a condition that only affects males and girls. The first studies on ADHD mostly focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped to shape the diagnostic criteria and rating scales that are still in use. This led to the notion that ADHD was only a problem for male children, and many girls and women were not diagnosed because their behavior didn't match the typical stereotypes of the disorder.
Untreated ADHD can cause adolescents and girls to have difficulty navigating their daily routines as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep an orderly home and maintain their daily routines can lead to feelings of inadequateness. Women can also suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which makes it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are many treatment options available for adults with 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 decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will be able to discuss with you the medications that best suit your condition.
Your doctor may also recommend therapy in addition to medication. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and boost your confidence in yourself. They can teach you healthy ways to cope and assist your family members to understand your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones or family psychoeducation that helps your loved ones better know about your ADHD and learn coping strategies.
Women may experience different ADHD symptoms in comparison to men. Women with inattention ADHD may find it difficult to keep track of their time at home and at work or forget appointments or bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They might be uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms.
The changes in hormone levels during the menstrual period, pregnancy and menopause may affect your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan will depend on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms are more severe when you're pregnant because the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor may also suggest taking part in a clinical trial. These trials are designed to find new ways to detect, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women with ADHD have their own particular challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complicated interplay between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to deal with sensitivity to rejection that can cause them to feel embarrassed when they fail to meet social expectations. This dynamic contributes to their difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to hide their struggles and attempt to blend in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own anxiety and often assume that their behavior is "normal."
Because of these factors, it's harder for girls and women to get an accurate diagnosis than males and females. In addition their symptoms are more likely to be inattentive than hyperactive and thus aren't likely to trigger alarm. This could cause them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
The use of medications can help to reduce 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 must be closely monitored as some individuals may have a significant response to these medications. Non-stimulant medications are also available. These drugs can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and behavioral treatments to improve symptoms.
It is essential for people with ADHD to tell their health care provider about any past difficulties related to ADHD in order to use this information when creating the treatment plan. They could also ask their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has expertise in treating ADHD in women and girls. These specialists can offer psychotherapy and counseling and strategies for managing lifestyle such as job accommodations, school accommodations.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD can face a variety of issues which include misdiagnosis, as well as undiagnosed symptoms. 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 like depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also tend to experience different symptoms with inattention symptoms appearing more frequently than hyperactive or hyperactive symptoms.
The first step is to talk to a primary care physician. inattentive adhd in women will evaluate your symptoms, and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis allows them to accept their difficulties more effectively and manage them better.
A doctor will typically prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are also available for some people. Doctors may prescribe therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy, to help people change negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also give suggestions on how to improve communication and relationships.
Support from family members is essential for managing the symptoms of ADHD. Counseling and therapy for families can help people comprehend the challenges ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn to manage issues caused by impulsive or inattentive behaviors, like inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people suffering from ADHD have a hard time getting assistance or admitting that they require assistance. A doctor can help overcome this barrier by explaining how ADHD affects them and teaching them coping techniques to improve their performance in school and at work. They may also ask their coworkers or teachers for small accommodations that will help them achieve their goals in school or at work.