Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
While ADHD symptoms are more common in males and females however, women can be affected by the disorder too. The symptoms can change at different times, as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can exacerbate them.
The diagnosis and treatment are essential first steps. Managing ADHD with medication and therapy 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 the structure of the brain or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Female hormones also change during menstrual cycles as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal which affects the way ADHD medication works. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or worsened by anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. adult adhd in women who suffer from these conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms and don't report them to their doctors which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in many areas of a woman's daily life. For example, it can make it difficult to maintain the job or maintain a schedule for schoolwork. It can also lead to financial issues, such as missing payments or forgetting about appointments and bills. It can lead to low self-esteem, which can affect relationships. Women with ADHD are also unable to navigate societal expectations of gender roles and are more likely to internalize their symptoms, which can increase their stress and anxiety in relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time goes by. They may also become more apparent when a woman is stressed or undergoing some major life event. For instance, a woman might have 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. Therapists can help them improve their overall performance by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. They could also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Girls and women may struggle to determine the correct diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and 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 way symptoms are presented females and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to boys and men.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms may include disorganization, forgetfulness or issues in managing time both at home and at work. This may result in missed appointments, trouble paying bills on time, and struggling to keep up with schoolwork or work 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 issues can affect relationships, interfere with school and work performance, and create problems at home or in a relationship.
For many years, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only an issue for boys and men. The first studies on ADHD mainly focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped define the diagnostic criteria and rating scales still in use today. This led to the notion that ADHD was only a problem for male children as well as girls and women were not diagnosed due to the fact that their behavior didn't match the stereotypes associated with the disorder.
As girls and adolescent girls grow into adults, they could be struggling to navigate everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain their home in order, and manage their daily routines may also cause feelings of inadequacy. Depression and anxiety may also co-occur with ADHD in women, which can hinder their ability to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are many treatment options for adults with ADHD which 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 reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will consult with you about the medications that are best for your needs.
Your doctor may also recommend therapy in addition to medications. Specialists in ADHD can show you how to manage your symptoms and help you build confidence in yourself. They can also teach you healthy coping strategies and help your family members understand the condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer family psychoeducation which helps your loved one to comprehend ADHD and develop coping strategies.
Women may have different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. Women with inattentive ADHD may find it difficult to stay on top of things at work and home 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 embarrassed or misunderstood by their symptoms.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can influence your ADHD symptoms. The treatment you receive will depend on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. You may find that your symptoms improve during pregnancy because the surge of estrogen can help balance the chemicals in the brain. Your doctor might recommend participating in a clinical trial. These studies explore new ways to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions.
Medication
Women who suffer from ADHD face particular challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function problems. They must also contend with the sensitivity of rejection which can cause them to feel ashamed when they don't meet social expectations. This dynamic can make it difficult for them to establish and keep relationships. They may develop coping mechanisms to conceal their struggles and they may try to blend into. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own anxiety and feelings, and often believe that their behavior is "normal."
Because of these issues that make it more difficult for girls and women to get a clear diagnosis than men and boys. Moreover, their symptoms tend to be less severe and more inattentive rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This can lead to a delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Medicines can manage the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. Stimulant medications are typically the first choice for patients suffering from ADHD, however they must be carefully monitored because some people can experience a serious reaction to these medications. There are also non-stimulant medications available, and these medications can be combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to reduce symptoms.
It is essential for people with ADHD to inform their doctor about any issues they have had prior to being diagnosed to ADHD in order to use this information when creating an treatment plan. They can also request for their doctor to refers them to a mental healthcare specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD in girls and women. They can offer psychotherapy and counseling methods for managing lifestyles, job and school accommodations and other therapies that assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD face a number of issues, including the misdiagnosis of symptoms or not being recognized. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behavior, and women with ADHD tend to develop more internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also tend to experience different symptom presentations with inattention symptoms showing up more often than hyperactive or hyperactive symptoms.
The first step is talking to a primary care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms and recommend you to a mental health professional. Many women find that a diagnosis helps them accept their issues more effectively and manage them better.
Typically doctors will prescribe medication to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. Most stimulant medications are prescribed but non-stimulants are an option for some people. Doctors may also recommend therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people to change their negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also provide suggestions on how to improve communication and relationships.
The support of family members is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Counseling for marriage and family therapy can help people recognize the challenges ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn how to handle issues caused by impulsive or inattentive behavior, such as inability to make decisions or forgetfulness.
Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to ask for help or admit they need help. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives, and by teaching them coping strategies to help them perform better at school and work. They can also ask co-workers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to enable them to succeed in their jobs or classes.