10 ADHD Symptoms In Women That Are Unexpected
ADHD Symptoms in Women
Adult women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and work life.
Underdiagnosis is a result of gender discrimination and the tendency for women and girls to hide their symptoms. However, the increased awareness means more adults are receiving the treatment they need. ADHD symptoms in women are different from men's and can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattention ADHD may have trouble staying focused and completing tasks, usually making careless mistakes or misunderstand instructions. They may be unable to keep the track of their obligations, such as paying bills, making calls, or sending birthday cards. They could also forget appointments, and are often late for social or work-related 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 don't get treated for their symptoms suffer emotional distress, and that can lead to poor relationships and co-occurring illnesses such as depression or anxiety.
In the end, the challenges of living with untreated ADHD can feel overwhelming. Some people blame themselves and adopt unproductive strategies to cope, such as excessive drinking and substance abuse. Others resort to unhealthy habits such as eating less and gaining weight. For some young girls and teenagers, the stress of not being able to meet social expectations can result in self-injury that isn't suicide-related. It could look like burning, cutting or scratching.
It's no surprise that women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. In addition women with these conditions may also have low self-esteem, which can make it difficult to realize that their issues are caused by a mental health condition rather than being their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties interpreting social cues, making them appear distant or unobservant to other people. adhd symptoms in women might miss jokes or misread body language, and be accused of being rude or obnoxious. They may also be struggling with impulse control, which means they could disrupt others or utter insulting phrases.
To help improve their focus, it's important for women with inattention type ADHD to get enough rest every night and avoid caffeine, nicotine and stimulants. They should also exercise regularly, which will help increase neurotransmitters that aid in concentration and can help decrease mood swings.
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 lead to a messy home and having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments or the names of family and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely to show the internalizing symptoms of depression or anxiety, which can be more common in males and females.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. These symptoms are more prevalent for both genders. Health professionals might not be aware of these symptoms in women or girls or disregard them, blaming them on mood issues or stereotypes. ADHD rating scales also tend to be skewed toward male behavior, making these symptoms more difficult to determine and recognize in women.
There are a myriad of methods to manage ADHD in a woman of adulthood. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find an experienced therapist and clinician in treating ADHD for women and girls. The type of therapy recommended will depend on your conditions and lifestyle and may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help validate your experience and reframe negative thinking patterns as well as family psychoeducation or support group work.
Some people can lessen their symptoms by observing a regular sleep schedule, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
Menopausal hormone levels drop, many symptoms of ADHD become more severe. During this time you must stay on top of things and keep on top of your symptoms as well as your treatment plan. You can also request that your doctor adjust the dosage or type of medication you're taking as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the difficulties you encounter in managing your symptoms and how they affect you at work at home, at work, and in relationships. They might also suggest ways to improve your communication with your partner and with other people in your life.
Mixed Type symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often experience difficulties at school and work however they do not exhibit the impulsive or hyperactive symptoms of the other subtypes. They may lose important documents or pay bills, or forget to make appointments. This type of disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and speak without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the condition also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and are often unable to live independently.
In many instances, family members, friends, or teachers are the only ones who can notice the apathy symptom of ADHD. As a result, girls and young women with this disorder are often not diagnosed. The gender bias and the tendency of people with ADHD to conceal their symptoms are also contributing factors to underdiagnosis.
The symptoms of this type are affected by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. At these times estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels rise. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, the symptoms tend to vary day-to-day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This can cause misdiagnosis or improper or insufficient treatment.
Psychotherapy can be combined with medications to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which assists people change their negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Engaging in regular physical exercise, like walking, swimming or running can help increase focus and attention. It can also release neurotransmitters to boost brain function and help reduce anxiety or stress. Regular breaks, creating routines for the day and implementing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. A support group may be helpful for learning about lifestyle changes and improving your coping skills. For those who are suffering from the condition professionals, an ADHD coach is an excellent option for individualized, individual guidance. Certain people suffering from this condition benefit from cognitive behavior or interpersonal therapy. A therapist can help a person recognize their behavior and how it impacts other people. They can also improve their communication skills.
Symptoms of Adult Type
Women suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that differ than those of males. our homepage of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is complicated by gender roles, which can make it difficult for teachers or parents to notice when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. It can also be hidden by mental health issues or depression, making it harder to recognize. The symptoms can also fluctuate depending on hormone levels. For example when you are pregnant or going through menstruation and menopause.
Women suffering from ADHD are most likely to be affected by inattention. You are more likely to forget things, have difficulty remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can impact your school, work as well as marriages and other relationships. Your family and friends may notice that you have difficulty following instructions, keeping track of appointments or paying bills. Your boss or teacher may be concerned that you aren't finishing tasks on time or having difficulty staying focused during meetings.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You are restless and always in motion, you disrupt other people, speak too loudly or make up nonsense without considering what you're saying. You are unable to wait for your turn and are unable to maintain eye contact with others. You can be impatient and have mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
It may be difficult to manage your emotions, especially during times of stress and trauma. You may overreact to criticism or be more likely to get involved in fights, even if the situation isn't particularly serious. You may find it easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behavior such as alcohol and drug drinking or unhealthy eating habits.
The right treatment can help women suffering from ADHD improve their lives. You might consider working with a life management coach or finding an online ADHD support group. You may also seek out professional counseling from a professional who has worked with women suffering from this disorder. You might want to talk to a psychiatrist who will assist you in understanding the way your genes or brain activity could affect your ADHD symptoms.