Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women can also be affected by ADHD symptoms, though they are more prevalent in men and boys. The symptoms may change based on the time of the year due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Treatment and diagnosis are crucial first steps. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication improves 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 be related with brain structure or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones alter during menstrual cycles and during pregnancy, which can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications work. The symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by a variety of mood disorders, like anxiety and depression. Women who suffer from these conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms, and they aren't willing to disclose them to their physicians, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in the daily routine of a woman. For example, it can make it difficult to maintain an occupation or maintain a schedule for schoolwork. It can also create financial issues, like not paying bills or appointments, and a lack of payment. It can lead to low self-esteem and negatively impact relationships. Women with ADHD have difficulty navigating the societal expectations for gender roles. They are also more likely to internalize their issues which can cause increased distress and relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse over time. They can be more apparent when women are stressed or is going through a major life event. After a woman gets divorced or becomes pregnant or has children, she might have more difficulty with symptoms at home or at work.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms through combining therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can teach them the art of time management and organization and help improve their overall functioning. You might also find it beneficial to work with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Women and girls may have a difficult time to determine the correct diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and the 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 variation in the symptom presentation females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed more frequently than boys and men.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms include a lack of focus, confusion or problems with time management both at home and at work. This could lead to missed appointments, 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 symptoms can disrupt relationships, affect school and work performance and create problems at home or in relationships.
For a long time, ADHD has been considered as a condition that only affects males and boys. The early studies of ADHD focused primarily on hyperactive boys' behavior and helped to develop the diagnostic criteria and rating systems still employed today. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for male children. Many girls and women weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes.
Untreated ADHD can cause adolescents and girls to have difficulty navigating their lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain their home in order, and manage their daily routines can result in feelings of being inadequate. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety may also co-occur with ADHD in women, which could make it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include medications. 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 reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will inform you about which medications are best for your needs.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Specialized therapists in ADHD can show you how to manage your symptoms, and also help you build self-esteem. They can help you learn healthy ways to cope and assist your family members to understand the condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one better comprehend ADHD and develop strategies for coping.
Women can experience ADHD symptoms that differ from men. For example, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at work and home or be unable to remember appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. As a result, they may feel slighted or even embarrassed by their behavior.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal changes can affect how ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment you receive will depend on your current hormone levels, your age and stage of life. You might find that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, as the surge of estrogen can neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor may recommend taking part in a clinical study. These studies are designed to find new ways to prevent, detect or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women who suffer from ADHD have particular issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection that can cause them to feel ashamed when they fail to meet social expectations. This can cause difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to cover up their issues, and they may attempt to fit in. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own feelings of distress and often assume that their behaviors are "normal."
Due to these factors, girls and women are less likely than males and boys to receive an accurate diagnose. In addition their symptoms are more likely to be inattentive than hyperactive and thus do not easily trigger concern. This could lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.
The medications assist in reducing the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. The stimulant drugs are usually the first option for those suffering from the disorder, but they must be carefully monitored because some people can experience a serious reaction to these drugs. Non-stimulant drugs are also available, and they are often combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms.
The individuals should inform their healthcare provider about any previous difficulties with ADHD. They can use this information to create an treatment plan. They may also ask their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in treating ADHD in women and girls. These professionals can provide counseling and psychotherapy as well as lifestyle management strategies as well as school and job accommodations and other treatments that aid in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD can face a variety of challenges that can lead to misdiagnosis and a lack of recognition of symptoms. The scales of rating for ADHD tend to be skewed towards male-dominated behaviors. Women with ADHD are also more likely to develop internalized symptoms like depression and anxiety. Women tend to have different symptoms, with inattentive symptom presentation being more common than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care provider. They will evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a specialist in mental health. Many women are aware that having a diagnosis can help them face their issues and manage them better.
A doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Most stimulant medications are prescribed but non-stimulants are an option for certain people. Doctors may also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can help people change negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also give suggestions on how to improve relationships and communication.
To manage the symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. add in adult women and family therapy can help people to understand the challenges that ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn how to overcome issues that arise from impulsive or inattentive behavior, such as forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions.
Many people with ADHD are hesitant to ask for assistance or admit that they require assistance. A doctor can help overcome this barrier by explaining how ADHD affects them and guiding them through coping strategies to boost their performance at the classroom and at work. They can also ask their coworkers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to enable them to achieve their goals in their job or classes.