Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
While ADHD symptoms are more prevalent for men and boys however, women can be affected by the disorder too. The symptoms can change depending on the season, due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycle and pregnancy or menopausal.
Finding a diagnosis and getting treatment is the first step. The treatment of ADHD through therapy and medication can improve 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. Female hormones also change during the menstrual period, pregnancy, and perimenopause. This can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. The symptoms of ADHD can also be masked by a variety of mood disorders, like depression and anxiety. Women with these comorbid disorders often feel ashamed of their symptoms and don't disclose them to their doctor, making it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can create problems in many aspects of a woman's daily life. It can be difficult to maintain an occupation or keep up with schoolwork. It can also create financial problems, such as not paying bills or appointments, and missing payments. It can affect relationships and lead to feelings of low self-esteem. Women with ADHD have a difficult time navigating gender roles of society. They are also more likely to internalize their symptoms which can cause an increase in stress and relationship problems.
Symptoms of ADHD can worsen as time passes. They may be more apparent when an individual is stressed or is going through an important life event. After a woman gets divorced, becomes pregnant or has children, she might have more difficulty with symptoms at home or at work.
Women can learn how to manage their symptoms by combining therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them learn organizational and time management skills and assist in improving their overall performance. They may benefit from working with an ADHD coach or joining an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Due to gender stereotypes, girls and women may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to 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 distinction in symptom manifestations females and girls are more likely to be misdiagnosed more frequently than men and boys.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms may include a lack of focus, confusion, or difficulties 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 assignments at school or at 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 signs can cause disruption to relationships, hinder school and work performance and cause problems at home or in the course of a relationship.
For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only affecting boys and men. The first studies of ADHD mostly focused on the behavior of boys who were hyperactive. This helped in the development of diagnostic criteria and rating scales that are still in use. This led to the notion that ADHD was a problem only for boys. Many girls and women weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes.
As girls and adolescent girls become adults, they might continue to experience difficulties navigating daily life with untreated ADHD. Additionally the struggles they face to organize their finances, maintain a clean house and manage daily routines can result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also suffer from mood disorders like anxiety and depression which can make it harder to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options available to adults with ADHD. This 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 also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will talk to you about the medications that are most appropriate for your needs.
Your doctor may also suggest therapy in addition to medication. Specialized therapists for ADHD can show you how to manage your symptoms, and also help you build self-esteem. They can also teach you healthy strategies for coping and assist your family members in understanding the condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you identify negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. Or they can offer psychoeducation for the family, which can help your loved one better understand ADHD and develop strategies for coping.
Women can experience ADHD symptoms that are different from men. Women who are not attentive to ADHD might find it difficult to stay organized both at home and at work 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 may feel uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms.
The changes in hormone levels during the menstrual period, menopausal and pregnancy can influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. It is possible that your symptoms get better during pregnancy, as the surge of estrogen can help balance the chemicals in the brain. Your doctor may also suggest participating in a clinical trial. These studies aim to discover new methods to identify, prevent or treat illnesses.
Medication
Women suffering from ADHD face unique problems in managing their symptoms. They have to deal with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function problems. They must also contend with the sensitivity of rejection which can lead them to feel ashamed when they don't meet social expectations. This can cause difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to hide their struggles and attempt to blend in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own anxiety and often believe that their behavior is "normal."
Because of these issues this makes it harder for women and girls to get a clear diagnosis than men and boys. Moreover, Highly recommended Resource site tend to be less severe and more attentive, rather than hyperactive. This makes them less likely to cause concern. This can lead them to be misdiagnosed 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 choice for those suffering from the disorder, but they must be carefully watched as some people may experience a serious reaction to these drugs. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and they are often combined with psychotherapy or other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms.
The individuals should inform their doctor about any prior issues that they have had with ADHD. They can then use this information to formulate a treatment plan. They could also request their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has expertise in treating ADHD both in girls and women. They can offer counseling and psychotherapy, lifestyle management techniques, job and school accommodations and other treatments that help them better manage their ADHD symptoms.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD face a number of difficulties, including incorrect diagnosis or a lack of recognition of signs. Rating scales for ADHD tend to favor male behaviors, and females with ADHD tend to develop more internalized symptoms such as depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women are more likely to exhibit different symptoms, with inattention symptom appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
The first step is talking to a primary care provider. They will assess your symptoms, and refer you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them accept their challenges more efficiently and better manage them.
Typically doctors will prescribe medication to control brain activity and manage symptoms. Highly recommended Resource site prescribed stimulants are but non-stimulants are an option for some people. Doctors may also recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which assists people overcome negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also offer tips on how to improve relationships and communication.
Family support is essential to managing the symptoms of ADHD. Counseling for marriage and family therapy can help people better recognize the challenges ADHD creates in their lives. They can also learn to manage issues that result from impulsive or inattention behavior, like memory loss and difficulties in making decisions.
Many people with ADHD struggle with getting assistance or admitting they require assistance. A doctor can help overcome this hurdle by explaining how ADHD affects the person and teaching them strategies for coping to improve their performance in the classroom and at work. They can also ask co-workers and teachers for minor adjustments to enable them to achieve their goals in their job or classes.