Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
While ADHD symptoms are more common for men and boys but women can also be affected by the disorder too. The symptoms can be different at different times, as hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can cause them to worsen.
Getting diagnosed and receiving treatment is the first step. Managing ADHD with medication and therapy improves relationships, work 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 brain structure or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Also, female hormones alter throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy and can impact how well ADHD medication works. Symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by various mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Women who suffer from these conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms and aren't able to inform their doctors which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause a variety of issues in a woman's daily life. It can be challenging to maintain the pace of work or manage schoolwork. It can also cause financial issues, such as failing to pay bills or forgetting appointments and bills. It can affect relationships and create feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD have a difficult time navigating societal expectations for gender roles. They are also more likely to dwell on their symptoms and this can cause more stress and relationship issues.
The symptoms of ADHD are likely to worsen over time. They may also become apparent when a woman is stressed or going through a major life event. For instance women might experience more issues with symptoms at workplace or at home after being divorced, having children or becoming pregnant.
Women can learn how to manage their symptoms by combining therapy with behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them learn how to manage time and organize their schedules and assist in improving their overall functioning. You might also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Women and girls may have a difficult time to receive a clear diagnosis due to gender stereotypes and 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. Because of this difference in the presentation of symptoms gender, women and girls are more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to men and boys.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can manifest as a lack of focus, confusion or problems with time management at home and at work. This may result in delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time and difficulty completing work or school tasks. 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 and at home and in school.
For many years, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and boys. The first studies of ADHD mostly focused on the behaviors of hyperactive boys, which helped to shape the diagnostic criteria and scales of rating that are still in use. This led to the belief that ADHD only affected males as well as women and girls were not diagnosed because their behaviors didn't fit the traditional stereotypes of the disorder.
As girls and adolescent girls grow into adults, they may continue to experience difficulties navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep their home in order, and manage their daily routines can cause feelings of inadequacy. Women can also suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety that makes it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD which includes 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 be able to discuss with you the medications that best suit your condition.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medication. Specialists in ADHD can teach you how to manage your symptoms, and also help you build confidence in yourself. They can teach you healthy coping techniques and help your family members to be aware of your condition. They can offer cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one to understand ADHD and develop coping strategies.
Women can experience different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. For example, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD may struggle to stay organized at home and work 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. They might be ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal changes can affect how ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you choose to take will depend on your current hormone levels and your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms improve when you're pregnant because the surge of estrogen helps to balance the chemicals in the brain. Your doctor may also recommend that you take part in a clinical study. adhd in adults women are designed to uncover new ways to detect, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women who suffer from ADHD face unique difficulties when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complicated interplay between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to deal with the sensitivity of rejection that can lead to feelings of shame when they are unable to meet social expectations. This dynamic contributes to their difficulty in maintaining and establishing relationships. They may develop coping strategies to cover up their issues, and they may attempt to blend in. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own anxiety and are often tempted to believe that their behaviors are "normal."
Because of these factors this makes it harder for women and girls to get a clear diagnosis than men and boys. Additionally, their symptoms tend to be more inattentive than hyperactive and thus aren't likely to trigger alarm. This can cause them to be underdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Drugs that stimulate are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they must be monitored carefully as certain individuals may have a significant reaction to these medications. Non-stimulant drugs are also available. These medications can be combined with psychotherapy and behavioral treatments in order to alleviate symptoms.
It's important for these individuals to inform their health care provider about any previous issues related to ADHD, because they can use this information to create an treatment plan. They can also ask that their health care provider refer them to a mental healthcare specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD both in girls and women. These professionals can provide counseling and psychotherapy along with lifestyle management techniques including job accommodations, as well as school accommodations.
Support
Women with ADHD are often faced with a range of difficulties, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behaviors, and women with the condition tend to develop more internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also experience various symptom manifestations and symptoms of inattention appearing more frequently than hyperactive or impulsive symptoms.
In the beginning, you should talk to your primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist in mental health. Many women discover that having a diagnosis can help them accept their challenges and deal with them more effectively.
Typically doctors will prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are also available to certain people. Doctors may also recommend therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people overcome negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also provide suggestions on how to improve communication and relationships.
Support from family members is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Counseling and therapy for families can help people understand the difficulties ADHD poses in their lives. They can also learn to deal with problems that may result from inattention or impulsive behavior, like forgetfulness and difficulty making decisions.
Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for assistance or admit that they need help. A doctor can help them overcome this barrier by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives, and by giving them strategies to improve their performance at school and work. They can also request coworkers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to enable them to achieve their goals in their job or classes.