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 depending on the time of the year, due to hormonal fluctuations that happen during menstruation or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms.
Treatment and diagnosis are important first steps. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication 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 due to with the structure of the brain or levels of chemicals like estrogen. Also, female hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal which affects the way ADHD medications work. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or worsened by anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. Women with these comorbid disorders are often embarrassed of their symptoms and do not disclose them to their doctor, which makes it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in many aspects of a woman's daily life. It can be difficult to maintain the pace of work or manage schoolwork. It can also lead to financial problems, like forgetting appointments or bills and missing payments. It can lead to low self-esteem and negatively impact relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles that society expects of them. They are also more likely to internalize their issues, which can lead to more stress and relationship issues.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time passes. They can also become more prominent when women are stressed or experiencing an important life event. For instance, a woman might have more trouble with symptoms at home or at work after being divorced, pregnant or having children.
Women can learn how to manage their symptoms by combining therapy with behavioral strategies. A therapist can teach them how to manage time and organize their schedules and assist in improving their overall functioning. They may also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or joining 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 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 gender, women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to boys and men.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can show up as a lack of focus, confusion or difficulties managing time at home and work. This could result in missed appointments, difficulty paying bills on schedule and difficulty 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, at home, as well as at school.
For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that only affected males and boys. The early studies of ADHD focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive which influenced the diagnostic criteria and rating systems that are still employed today. This led to the belief that ADHD was a problem only for boys. Many girls and women weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not in line with the stereotypes.
Untreated ADHD can cause teenagers and girls to have difficulty navigating their lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep a clean home and manage their daily routines may also cause feelings of inadequacy. Mood issues such as 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 available to 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 anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will consult with you about the medications that are most appropriate for your needs.
Your doctor might also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can assist you in learning to manage your symptoms and build self-esteem. They can also teach you healthy strategies for coping and help your family understand the severity of your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones. They could also offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one better understand ADHD and develop coping techniques.
Women can experience different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. For example, a woman with inattentive-type ADHD might struggle to stay organized at work and home or forget about appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. This means that they may feel misunderstood or even ashamed of their condition.
The changes in hormone levels during the menstrual period, menopausal and pregnancy can impact your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan will be based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage in life. You might notice that your symptoms get better when you are pregnant, as the surge of estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor might also suggest that you participate in a research study. These studies investigate new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD have unique problems in managing their symptoms. They have to manage complex interactions between gender expectations and executive function problems. They also have to contend with the sensitivity of rejection that can lead to feelings of shame when they can't meet social expectations. This makes it difficult for them to form and maintain relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to hide their struggles and try to fit into the crowd, which may mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to understand their distressing emotions and often assume their behaviors are "normal."
Due to these factors, girls and women are less likely than boys and men to receive a correct diagnosis. Additionally their symptoms tend to be more unresponsive than hyperactive and aren't likely to trigger alarm. This can cause them to be underdiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
The medications assist in reducing the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD among women and girls. These medications are often the first option for these patients, but they must be monitored because some people can experience a serious reaction to these medications. Non-stimulant drugs are also available, and they can be combined with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to reduce symptoms.
They should inform their doctor about any past issues that they have had with ADHD. They can then use this information to develop a treatment plan. They can also request that their healthcare provider refers them to a mental health specialist who is skilled in treating ADHD both in girls and women. These professionals can provide psychotherapy and counseling methods for managing lifestyles as well as school and job accommodations and other therapies that aid in managing their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD have a variety of difficulties, including misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. The scales of rating for ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behavior. Women with ADHD are also more likely to develop internalized symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Women tend to have different symptoms, with an inattention presentation being more common than hyperactive or impulse symptoms.
First, you should speak with your primary healthcare provider. They will assess your symptoms and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis can help them face their issues and deal with them more effectively.
Typically, high functioning adhd in women will prescribe medications to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available for certain people. Doctors can prescribe therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, to assist people in changing negative thoughts and behaviors. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
Support from family members is crucial to tackling the symptoms of ADHD. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people recognize the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn how to deal with problems caused by inattention or impulsive behavior, such as confusion or inability to make decisions.
Many people with ADHD are hesitant to ask for assistance or admit that they require help. A doctor can help them overcome this barrier by helping them understand how ADHD impacts their lives, and by giving them strategies to boost their performance at work and school. They could also ask their colleagues or teachers for small accommodations that will allow them to succeed in class or at work.