The Reasons ADHD In Women Isn't As Easy As You Think
Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women can also be affected by ADHD symptoms, although they are more prevalent in men and boys. The symptoms can be different in different seasons, since hormone changes during menstrual cycles and pregnancy or menopausal symptoms can exacerbate them.
A diagnosis and treatment are important first steps. Controlling ADHD by taking medication and therapy 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 be related with the structure of the brain or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones alter throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause which affects the way ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or exacerbated by anxiety depression and other mood disorders. People with these comorbid disorders often feel more shame about their symptoms and don't report them to their doctors and make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in the daily routine of a woman. It can be challenging to maintain a career or keep up with schoolwork. It can also create financial problems, like being late to appointments or paying bills, and a lack of payment. inattentive adhd in women can result in low self-esteem and negatively impact relationships. Women with ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles that society expects of them. They are also more likely to internalize their issues and this can cause an increase in stress and relationship problems.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse over time. They may also become more obvious when a person is stressed or undergoing a major life event. When a woman is divorced or becomes pregnant, or has children, she may experience more issues with symptoms at work or home.
Women can manage their symptoms with the use of therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them learn how to manage time and organize their schedules and assist in improving their overall functioning. You may also find it beneficial to work with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Due to gender stereotypes, women and girls might have a difficult time getting an accurate diagnosis due to the 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 way symptoms are presented gender, women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as compared to men and boys.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include a lack of focus, confusion or issues in managing time both at home and at work. This can lead to delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time and having trouble 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 issues in relationships at work, school and at home.
For a long time, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and girls. The first studies on ADHD mostly focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped define diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for male children. A lot of women and girls weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes.
As girls and adolescents become adults, they may have issues navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain their home in order and maintain their daily routines may also result in feelings of being inadequate. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety may also co-occur with ADHD in women, which can make it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for adults with ADHD that include 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 depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about the medications that are most appropriate for your needs.
In addition to medications, your doctor may recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning how to manage your symptoms and boost your confidence in yourself. They can help you learn healthy strategies for coping and help your family members 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, which helps your loved ones better understand your ADHD and develop coping strategies.
Women may experience ADHD symptoms that differ from men. Women with inattention ADHD might find it difficult to stay on top of things 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 slighted or even embarrassed by their symptoms.
Changing hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how your ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you choose to follow is based on your current hormonal levels as well as your age and stage of life. You may find that your symptoms get better when you're pregnant, as the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might also suggest participating in a clinical trial. These trials are designed to find new ways to detect, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD have unique issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive functions problems. They also have to contend with rejection sensitivity, which can cause feelings of shame when they don't keep up with social expectations. This can make it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships. They may develop coping strategies to cover up their issues, and they may try to fit in. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own distressing feelings and often assume that their behaviors are "normal."
Because of these reasons females and girls are less likely than males and boys to receive an accurate diagnose. Moreover their symptoms tend to be less severe and attentive, rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This could lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
The use of medications can help to manage the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for those suffering from the disorder, but they should be monitored as some individuals may have a serious reaction to these medications. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and they can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms.
It's important for these individuals to inform their doctor about any issues they have had prior to being diagnosed to ADHD, because they can use this information to create the treatment plan. They can also request that their health care provider refers them to a mental health specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD among women and girls. These specialists can offer psychotherapy and counseling along with methods for managing your lifestyle including job accommodations, as well as school accommodations.
Support
Women suffering from ADHD have a myriad of difficulties, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. The rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male-dominated behaviors. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to develop internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression. Women also have different symptom presentations and symptoms of inattention appearing more frequently than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
The first step is talking to a primary health care provider. They will assess your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist in mental health. Many women are aware that having a diagnosis can help them accept their challenges and manage them more effectively.
A doctor will typically prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant medications are most common, but non-stimulants are an option for certain people. Doctors can also suggest therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people overcome negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also give advice on how to improve communication and relationships.
Managing the symptoms of ADHD requires the support of loved ones. Counseling and therapy for families can help people understand the difficulties ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn to overcome issues that result from inattention or impulsive behavior, like inattention and difficulty in making decisions.
Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help or admit they need help. A doctor can help them overcome this barrier by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives and also by giving them strategies to boost their performance at work and school. They can also ask co-workers and teachers for small accommodations to help them be successful in their jobs or classes.