Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
While ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in boys and men but women can also be affected by the disorder as well. The symptoms can change in different seasons, since hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause can exacerbate them.
Finding a diagnosis and getting treatment is an important first step. The treatment of ADHD with medication and therapy can improve relationships, work, 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 levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Female hormones can change during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, as well as perimenopausal. This can affect the effectiveness of ADHD medication. ADHD symptoms can be disguised or exacerbated by anxiety depression and other mood disorders. People with these comorbid disorders are often embarrassed by their symptoms, and they aren't willing to disclose them to their physicians which makes it more difficult for them to get diagnosed and treated.
Untreated ADHD can cause problems in a variety of areas of a woman's daily life. It can be challenging to maintain an occupation or maintain a schedule for schoolwork. It can also cause financial issues, like not paying bills or appointments, and a lack of payment. It can cause low self-esteem and negatively impact relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD have difficulty navigating the societal expectations for gender roles. They also tend to dwell on their symptoms and this can cause increased distress and relationship difficulties.
The symptoms of ADHD tend to get worse as time passes. They can also be more noticeable when an individual is stressed or going through an important life event. If a woman divorces or becomes pregnant or has children, she might be more prone to experiencing symptoms at home or at work.
Women can learn to manage their symptoms by combining therapy with behavioral strategies. Therapists can help them develop how to manage time and organize their schedules and assist in improving their overall performance. They could also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or joining an ADHD support group.
Diagnosis
Because of gender stereotypes, girls and women may be unable to get an accurate diagnosis due to 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 presentation of symptoms gender, women and girls are more likely to be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed than boys and men.
The signs of inattention ADHD can manifest as disorganization, forgetfulness or difficulty managing time at home and work. This could lead to missing appointments, having trouble paying bills on time, and difficulties completing schoolwork or 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 symptoms can disrupt relationships, interfere with school and work performance, and cause problems at home or in a relationship.
For many years, ADHD has been considered a disorder that affects only males and girls. inattentive add in women on ADHD focused on the behavior of boys who were hyperactive, which helped in the development of the diagnostic criteria and scales of rating that are still in use. This led to the notion that ADHD was a problem only for male children. Many girls and women weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior was not consistent with the stereotypes.
Untreated ADHD can cause girls and adolescents to struggle with their lives as adults. Their struggles to manage their finances, maintain a clean home and maintain their daily routines could lead to feelings of inadequateness. Women may also experience mood issues like anxiety and depression which can make it harder to seek treatment.
Treatment
There are a myriad of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD that include 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 depression and anxiety symptoms. Your doctor will discuss with you the medications that are most appropriate for your situation.
In addition to medications, your doctor may recommend therapy. Specialists in ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms, and help you build confidence in yourself. They can help you learn healthy ways to cope and assist your family members to comprehend your condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy that teaches you to recognize negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones or psychoeducation for the family that helps your loved ones comprehend your ADHD and develop coping skills.
Women may have ADHD symptoms that are different from men. Women with inattention 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 may feel ashamed or misunderstood because of their symptoms.
Changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle and pregnancy could influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormonal levels as well as your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms improve when you're pregnant as the increase in estrogen can help regulate the chemical imbalance in the brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you participate in a research study. These studies are designed to discover new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions.
Medication
Women with ADHD have their own particular issues when it comes down to managing their symptoms. They must deal with a complicated interplay between gender expectations and executive function issues. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection that can lead them to feel ashamed when they don't meet social expectations. This makes it difficult for them to establish and maintain relationships. They may develop strategies for coping to conceal their struggles and attempt to blend in, which can mask their ADHD symptoms. They also struggle to recognize their own distressing feelings and often assume that their behaviors are "normal."
Because of these issues this makes it harder for women and girls to receive an accurate diagnosis than males and females. Additionally their symptoms tend to be less severe and more attentive, rather than hyperactive. This means they are less likely to trigger concern. This can lead them to be undiagnosed and delayed in treatment.
The medications help control the chemical imbalances that cause the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. The stimulant drugs are typically the first choice for these patients. However, they must be closely monitored as some patients may experience a severe reaction to these medications. Other drugs that do not stimulate are also available, and these medications can be combined with psychotherapy and other behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms.
It is essential for people with ADHD to inform their health care provider about any past difficulties related to ADHD in order to utilize this information when preparing a treatment plan. They may also ask their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in treating ADHD for girls and women. They can provide counseling and psychotherapy as well as strategies for managing lifestyle including job accommodations, as well as school accommodations.
Support
Women who suffer from ADHD have a variety of challenges, such as misdiagnosis or unrecognized signs. The scales of rating for ADHD tend to be skewed towards male behavior. Women who suffer from ADHD also tend to develop internalized symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Women are more likely to exhibit different symptoms, with inattention symptom presentation being more common than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms.
The first step is to talk to your primary care physician. They can evaluate your symptoms, and refer you to a specialist in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them face their challenges more efficiently and better manage them.
Typically doctors prescribe medication to control brain activity and manage symptoms. Stimulant medications are most common, but non-stimulants are an option for some people. Doctors can also suggest therapies, like cognitive behavior therapy, which can help people overcome negative thinking patterns and behaviors. They can also provide advice on ways to improve communication and relationships.
The support of family members is essential for managing the symptoms of ADHD. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people to understand the challenges that ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn to handle issues caused by inattention or impulsive behaviors, such as forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions.
Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to ask for assistance or admit that they require assistance. A doctor can assist them in overcoming this obstacle by helping them understand how ADHD impacts their lives, and by teaching them coping strategies to boost their performance at school and work. They can also ask their coworkers and teachers for small accommodations to make it easier to achieve their goals in their job or classes.