ADHD Symptoms in Women Adults
Women who suffer from ADHD have a wide array of symptoms which can affect their daily functioning at work, school and home. ADHD is treated with medication and psychotherapy by a mental health professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal, or menopausal.
Inattention or lack of Focus
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to focus and feel as if their concentration is falling off. They may lose track of time, forget appointments or other obligations, and suffer from poor performance at work. They are also more likely to develop co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression and have relationship issues that can lead to intimate partner violence.
In adolescence, hormonal changes can make it difficult for girls with ADHD to concentrate. This is because estrogen levels drop during menstrual ovulation, and decreases even more at the beginning of menstrual cycles. When combined with progesterone, which is high in the brain of adolescent girls, these fluctuations can exacerbate symptoms and make them more obvious. They also increase the risk of being mistakenly diagnosed with depression or anxiety and incorrectly treated.
Girls with ADHD are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the condition, rather than the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes. This makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed as they age because adults are less likely to see the same behavior issues that parents and teachers may observe in children with ADHD. Girls with ADHD are also better at hiding their symptoms and relying on their tools to compensate. This can result in an untrue sense of competence, as well as a deep self-doubt that could impact career and financial achievement.
The impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in girls and women can result in them being more sexually active than their peers and at a younger age. This can lead to a negative relationship and an increased chance of being forced into inappropriate sexual activities or being the victim of sexual assault. It can also lead to eating disorders and increase the risk of substance and alcohol abuse.
Regular exercise can boost focus and release neurotransmitters that increase alertness and working memory. It can also help to alleviate stress and improve sleep, both of which are common problems for people suffering from ADHD. Try walking, yoga, swimming, or playing a sports.
Disorganization
Women with ADHD often struggle with disorganization and clutter. Even though you may spend time cleaning and organizing, your home and workplace life can feel chaotic. Your personal and professional relationships may suffer due to late appointments, unpaid bills and lost or misplaced paperwork. You could also be suffering from health issues if you don't eat right, skip doctor visits, or don't take your medication as directed.
It's hard to maintain your typical level of organization when you suffer from ADHD because the symptoms flare up when you face specific stresses. Your office desk may be a mess of receipts 17 chapsticks, a ticket from the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Your cart at the grocery store could be overflowing with things you don't use. Your handbag might contain a random assortment of things, like scissors pen, keys, paper, and an extra set of headphones.
Inattentional ADHD is the most prevalent type of disorder. It can be characterized by difficulties paying attention, following directions, or being socially active. You might easily lose your keys or forget appointments or be lenient with other people because you don't know how much trouble they're in. You might have trouble completing tasks, get overwhelmed at school or work, and feel like you don't fit in with your colleagues.
Many girls and women are underdiagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms do not match the stereotype of hyperactivity among males and boys. Women and girls are often non-attentional symptoms instead of hyperactive which can make it harder to diagnose. A gender bias can also hinder health professionals from examining ADHD to be the reason of their behavior.
Reduce stress and lower your level of frustration. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help you manage your impulsivity, control your emotions, and remain in the present moment. A healthy diet can improve your symptoms. Avoiding foods high in fat, sugar, and chemicals might help you feel more calm and focused.
Making decisions can be a challenge
Women who suffer from ADHD have trouble making decisions because they are easily distracted. This can cause problems in both their personal and professional lives. They might not be able to follow through on their plans or meet appointments or bill payments. Their inattention ADHD can also make them more likely to misplace things or lose them, which can lead to several issues.
A mood swing and low self-esteem are also typical symptoms of ADHD for women. These issues are often caused by hormonal fluctuations, like those that occur during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression that can be caused by their symptoms or be unrelated to them. They are also more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, or fibromyalgia.
Signs of ADHD in women are difficult to recognize as they are for males and males. This is because they are more likely to have inattentive ADHD symptoms and be less prone to hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms, especially in the mixed subtype of the disorder. This makes it difficult to identify and lead people to dismiss symptoms as "character problems" or a problem with which they must deal with.
It can be hard for women to spot their ADHD symptoms, especially if they have had them for a long period of time. They can become accustomed to their lack of attention and disorganization that they begin to believe it's normal. This could keep them from seeking a diagnosis or treatment.
For women diagnosed with ADHD the most effective treatment is usually medication. The most frequently prescribed medications are stimulants, which function by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters within the brain. These include methylphenidate and amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall) as well as lisdexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants, such as Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) or antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor) can help to manage ADHD symptoms.
In addition to medications, lifestyle changes can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in women. For instance, exercise can boost mood and boost energy levels. It can also improve social skills. Joining an ADHD support group may be beneficial for some women with ADHD who are able to cope with their symptoms when they are around other people.
Anxiety
Women with ADHD are often anxious. This is due to a variety of factors including low self-esteem, difficulty in relationships, and lack of understanding and support from others. It can also be linked to issues at work such as difficulty maintaining the job or observing workplace rules and procedures. Women with ADHD also have higher rates of depression that is comorbid, which can further increase feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from disorders of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.
Inattentive-type symptoms, which cause you to lose or misplace things, forget important appointments, or have trouble remembering what people tell you, are more common in females with adhd than hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. Those with this subtype of adhd exhibit at least six of the following symptoms that last for at minimum six months: You are unable to focus on tasks at home as well as at school. You are easily distracted by the surroundings or your own thoughts and behavior. You're having trouble staying focused or focusing your attention on a task (you're at risk of the 1,000-yard stare). You're having trouble following directions or making deadlines at work or school. You're a bit forgetful or numb in your daily routines, such as paying bills and tracking medication.
Some women with ADHD cover up their symptoms more effectively than men. This can make it difficult to identify. Some women hide their inattention by dressing well or using tools to aid them in staying organized and focused. The symptoms can also fluctuate due to hormonal changes, especially estrogen during ovulation and menstrual cycles.
The moment you receive an adhd diagnosis could be a pivotal moment for many adults with this condition. It can be a relief when you are aware of your problems. It will help you accept yourself better. It can also be an inspiration to make positive lifestyle changes.
Gender refers to the internal perception that a person has of being male, female nonbinary, or a different gender. adhd in adult women is determined by a person's chromosomal makeup and hormones as well as anatomy.