Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
Women also have ADHD symptoms, though they are more prevalent for boys and men. The symptoms can be different depending on the time of year, and hormonal changes during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can cause them to worsen.
Treatment and diagnosis are important first steps. Managing ADHD with medication and therapy can improve work relationships, social interactions and school 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 have to do with the structure of the brain or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. The female hormones can also change during menstrual periods as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal. This can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medications. The symptoms of ADHD can also be disguised by a variety of mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. People with these comorbid disorders are often embarrassed of their symptoms and do not inform their doctor, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause a variety of issues in women's lives. It can be challenging to maintain the pace of work or keep up with schoolwork. It can also create financial problems, like forgetting appointments or bills and missing payments. It can also affect relationships and lead to feelings of low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to navigate gender roles that society expects of them. adhd in older women are also more likely to internalize their issues which can cause increased distress and relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of ADHD are likely to worsen over time. They may also become obvious when a person is stressed or experiencing some major life event. For instance women might experience more trouble with symptoms at home or at work following having a divorce, becoming being pregnant or having children.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms using a combination of behavioral strategies and therapy. A therapist can teach them organizational and time management skills and help improve their overall performance. You may also find it beneficial to work with an ADHD coach or join an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Girls and women may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis due to gender stereotypes and a 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 distinction in the presentation of symptoms females and girls are more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as compared to males and females.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms may include disorganization, forgetfulness, or difficulties with time management at home and at work. This can lead to delays in appointments, problems paying bills on time, and difficulty keeping up with school 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 signs can cause disruption to relationships, affect school and work performance, and cause problems at home or in a relationship.
For many years, ADHD has been considered an illness that affects only males and boys. The early studies of ADHD focused on hyperactive boys' behavior which influenced the diagnostic criteria and rating systems that are still in use today. This led to the notion that ADHD only impacted male children as well as girls and women were not diagnosed because their behaviors did not fit the stereotypes associated with the disorder.
Untreated ADHD can cause girls and adolescents to struggle with their daily lives as adults. Additionally, their struggles to organize their finances, maintain a clean house and manage daily routines can lead to feelings of being inadequate. Mood issues such as depression and anxiety can also co-occur with ADHD in women, which may make it more difficult to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are many options for treatment for adults with ADHD. This 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 depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will consult with you about which medication is best for your needs.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medication. Specialized therapists in ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms, and can help you build confidence in yourself. They can teach you healthy ways to cope and assist your family members be aware of the condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches you to identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. Or they can offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one to understand ADHD and develop coping techniques.
Women may experience different ADHD symptoms than men. For instance women with inattentive type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at home and work or be forgetful of 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 feel ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopausal changes can impact how your ADHD symptoms manifest. 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 when you are 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 studies investigate new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD face unique difficulties when it comes to managing their symptoms. They have to manage an intricate interaction between gender expectations and executive functions issues. They must also deal with the sensitivity of rejection which can lead them to feel embarrassed when they don't live up to social expectations. This dynamic contributes to their difficulty in maintaining and establishing relationships. They may develop coping mechanisms to cover up their issues, and they may try to fit into. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they struggle to identify their own anxiety and feelings, and often assume that their behavior is "normal."
Because of these reasons due to these factors, women and girls are less likely than boys and men to receive a precise diagnosis. Moreover their symptoms tend to be less severe and attentive, rather than hyperactive. This means they are less likely to trigger concern. This can cause them to be underdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
The use of medications can help to control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD in women and girls. Stimulant medications are typically the first option for those suffering from the disorder, but they must be monitored as some individuals may experience a serious reaction to these medications. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and they can be combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms.
It is crucial for those with ADHD to tell their health care provider about any previous issues related to ADHD in order to use this information to create an treatment plan. They can also ask for their doctor to refers them to a mental healthcare professional who has experience treating ADHD among women and girls. These professionals can provide psychotherapy and counseling and strategies for managing lifestyle such as job accommodations, school accommodations.
Support
Women with ADHD are often faced with a range of challenges, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behaviors, and women with ADHD tend to suffer from more internalized signs like depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women also tend to experience different symptoms, with inattentive symptoms appearing more frequently than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
The first step is talking to a primary care provider. They can evaluate your symptoms, and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their issues more efficiently and better manage them.
Typically, a doctor will prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Non-stimulant drugs are also available for certain people. Doctors may also prescribe therapy, like cognitive behavior therapy, to help people change negative thoughts and behavior. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
Family support is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people better comprehend the challenges ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn how to handle issues caused by inattention or impulsive behaviors, such as forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions.
Many people with ADHD have a hard time asking for assistance or admitting they require assistance. A doctor can help overcome this obstacle by explaining how ADHD affects them and teaching them coping techniques to help them perform better in school and at work. They can also ask co-workers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to help them achieve their goals in their job or classes.