Blog entry by Eula Kethel
Adult women suffering from ADHD have challenges that a lot of don't even realize. If not treated, the symptoms can cause havoc in relationships and at work life.
Gender bias and a tendency for women and girls to conceal their symptoms can make it difficult to diagnose. The increase in awareness has led to more people receiving the assistance they require. ADHD symptoms for women differ from those in men. They can be made worse due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause.
Symptoms of Inattentive Type
Women with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying on task performing tasks and making mistakes. They can also be confused or make mistakes that are not their fault. They may struggle to keep on top of their obligations, like paying bills, returning calls, or even sending birthday cards. They also have trouble remembering appointments and may often miss meetings or be late for work or social activities.
The symptoms of inattentive type ADHD are less noticeable than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms in boys and men, so it's possible that women and girls who have these symptoms don't receive a diagnosis until adulthood. If they don't seek treatment for their symptoms may experience emotional anxiety. This can result in poor relationships, or co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression.
As a result, the problems of living with untreated ADHD can be overwhelming. Many sufferers blame themselves and engage in unhealthy strategies for coping like drinking excessively and substance abuse. Some people resort to unhealthy habits, such as eating too much or losing weight. Teenagers and young girls might self-injure themselves to alleviate their anger at not being able meet social expectations. This can take the form of cutting, burning, or scratching.
It's not surprising that women with inattention ADHD are more likely to experience depression and anxiety. This can make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms. They may also suffer from low self-esteem which makes it difficult to realize that the problem is a mental illness and not their fault.
Girls with inattention ADHD might also have difficulties understanding social cues, which can make them appear uninterested or indifferent to others. They may not be able to catch jokes, miss interpret body language, and even be criticised for being rude or offensive. They might also have trouble controlling their impulses and may make insulting remarks or interrupt others.
Women with inattention ADHD should ensure they get enough sleep every night and stay away from stimulants and caffeine to boost their concentration. Regular exercise can increase neurotransmitters, which may help in focusing.
Symptoms of Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Women and adolescent girls with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD can find it hard to concentrate or organize. This can lead a messy house and to having difficulty paying bills on time. They may also forget appointments, or the names of family and friends members. They are easily distracted or bored and cannot wait to be heard. They are less likely than males and females to show internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
It can be harder to identify and diagnose hyperactive/impulsive ADHD in women than in boys or men. Because these symptoms are more prevalent for both genders health professionals may not recognize them in girls and women or ignore them, putting them down to gender stereotypes or mood issues. adhd symptoms test rating scales are also biased towards male behavior, which makes it difficult to recognize and quantify the symptoms of women.
There are many ways to manage ADHD in women who are adults. This includes taking medication. The most important thing is to find a therapist and a doctor who are experienced in treating ADHD both in women and girls. The type of therapy suggested will be based on your specific conditions and lifestyle, but may include cognitive behavioral therapy to help you identify your symptoms and change negative patterns of thinking, family psychoeducation, or support group work.
For some, ADHD symptoms in women a sleep routine, regular exercise and a balanced diet can ease symptoms. For others, stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine/amphetamine (Adderall), methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) may be required.
When menopausal hormone levels decrease, many symptoms of adhd symptoms nhs test get worse. During this time it is important to be on top of things and keep the track of your symptoms and your treatment plan. You can also seek advice from your health care professional to alter the dosage or type of your medication as required. Talk to your therapist or counselor about the challenges you face in managing your symptoms and how they impact your work as well as at home and in relationships. They may also suggest strategies to improve your communication with your partner and other people in your life.
Mixed Type Symptoms
Women with mixed type ADHD often have difficulty in school and work but they don't have the hyperactive or impulsive signs and symptoms of adhd of the other subtypes. They might forget important documents or pay bills, or forget to schedule appointments. This form of the disorder can also cause people to interrupt others, talk without thinking, and talk without thinking. Women who suffer from this form of the disorder also have difficulties maintaining relationships and friendships and often have difficulty to live a life of their own.
In many cases, family or friends are the only ones to be able to recognize the apathy symptom of ADHD. This leads to girls and young women not being diagnosed. The underdiagnosis is also due to gender bias and the tendency for people with ADHD symptoms to conceal their symptoms.
The symptoms of this kind are influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause. In these instances, estrogen levels decrease and progesterone levels increase. This combination accentuates ADHD symptoms. The symptoms can also vary from day to day, depending on the levels of progesterone and estrogen. This could result in misdiagnosis, and in the wrong or insufficient treatment.
In addition to medications psychotherapy can also be utilized to treat symptoms of the mixed type. This includes cognitive therapy for behavior, which aids people overcome negative thoughts and behaviors, and psychoeducational counseling. Both are accessible through local mental health clinics, as well as online.
Getting regular physical activity, such as running, swimming, or walking can improve attention and focus. It can also release neurotransmitters that boost the brain and reduce anxiety or stress, which are common in people with ADHD. Making sure to take regular breaks, creating routines throughout the day and employing organizational strategies are other ways to help manage ADHD. Support groups can be useful in gaining knowledge about changes in lifestyles and coping techniques. For some individuals, a professional ADHD coach is a great option for individual, personalized guidance. Some people with this condition also benefit from cognitive behavioral or interpersonal therapy. Therapists can help a person be aware of their behavior and how it impacts others. They can also develop communication skills.
Adult Type Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can have different symptoms than men. The process of diagnosing and treating the condition in women is a challenge due to gender-based expectations. This can make it harder for teachers or parents to recognize when the girl is struggling with her attention or hyperactivity. The disorder can also be masked by depression or other mental health issues, which makes it less apparent to those who are around you. Symptoms can also fluctuate with hormone levels, like those during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy and menopause.
Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to experience inattentive symptoms. You tend to forget things, have trouble remembering details, and become distracted by other people or your thoughts. Your lack of attention ADHD can affect your schoolwork, work, marriages, and other relationships. You might have difficulty paying bills, following directions or keeping the track of appointments. Your family and friends might notice. Your teacher or boss might observe that you're having trouble staying focused in meetings or completing tasks in a timely manner.
If you have the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, your symptoms are more noticeable than inattentive ones. You're always on the move and can disrupt others, talk excessively, or say things that make no sense without thinking. You have trouble waiting for your turn, and you struggle to maintain eye contact with others. You may be irritable and suffer from mood swings that are difficult for your family and friends to bear.
You may find it difficult to control your emotions, particularly in times of stress and trauma. You may be more prone to react to criticism or even start fights even if the situation isn't a serious one. It may be easier to deal with these emotions by engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as drug and alcohol addiction or unhealthy eating habits.
Women who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to improve their lives by getting the proper treatment. Think about working with a coach or joining an online uncommon adhd symptoms support group. You could also seek professional counseling from a counselor who has worked with women with this disorder. You may want to talk to a psychiatrist who can assist you in understanding how your genetics or brain activity may impact your ADHD symptoms.