ADHD Symptoms in Women Adults
Women with ADHD suffer from a variety of symptoms which can affect their daily functioning at school, work and at home. Treatments for ADHD include psychotherapy and medication with an experienced mental health professional who is skilled in treating adults with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD may be worsened by hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, menstruation and perimenopausal, or menopausal.
Inattention or lack of Focus
Women who suffer from ADHD often find that they are unable to concentrate and feel that their focus is declining. They may lose track of their appointments, forget appointments, or other obligations and struggle with poor performance at work. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety, and relationship problems that can lead them to violence.
As we get older, hormone changes can make it more difficult for girls suffering from ADHD to concentrate. This is due to estrogen levels drop around the time of menstrual flow and later in the time of Ovulation. These fluctuations, when coupled with progesterone which is found in the brains of adolescents can cause symptoms to become more apparent. These fluctuations also increase the likelihood of being misdiagnosed as being caused by anxiety or a mental disorder, and being treated incorrectly.
Girls with ADHD are more likely to have the inattentive subtype of the condition, rather than the hyperactive/impulsive or mixed subtypes. This can make it harder for them to get diagnosed as they age because adults are less likely to notice the same behavioral problems that parents and teachers may detect in children suffering from ADHD. Girls with ADHD are also more adept at hiding their symptoms and relying on their tools to compensate. This can result in false confidence and a deep-seated self-doubt, which can impact the financial and professional success of a person with ADHD.
The impulsivity associated with ADHD in girls and women can also lead them to be more sexually active than their peers and at a younger age. This can lead them to have a bad relationships and a higher likelihood of being forced to engage in inappropriate sexual activities or being the victim of sexual assault. It can also lead to disordered food consumption and increase the risk of alcohol and substance abuse.
Regular exercise can help improve focus and release neurotransmitters which increase alertness and working memory. It can also help alleviate stress and improve sleep as well, which are common problems for people with ADHD. Try walking, yoga, swimming or playing a sport.
Disorganization
Women who suffer from ADHD often have trouble coordinating and clutter. While you may be able to spend time cleaning and organizing, your work and home life can seem chaotic. Late bills, missed appointments and papers that are lost or misplaced can impact your work and personal relationships. There is also the possibility of health issues as a result of a poor nutrition, skipping doctor appointments or not taking medication according to the directions.
If you suffer from ADHD it can be difficult to maintain your regular level of organization because your symptoms become more severe when you are faced with certain stressors. Your office desk may be a jumbled mess of receipts 17 chapsticks, and tickets from the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Your cart at the grocery store could be stuffed with items to the point of filling it with things you don't really need. Your purse could be filled with an assortment of random things, such as a pair of scissors keys, keys, a pen and paper, and an extra pair of headphones.
Inattentional ADHD is the most prevalent type of disorder. It includes difficulty paying attention, following directions, or being socially active. You might easily lose your keys or forget about appointments and be lenient with other people because you don't realize how much trouble they're in. You may have difficulty completing tasks, become overwhelmed at work or school and feel like you don't fit in with your friends.
Many girls and woman aren't diagnosed with ADHD because they don't have symptoms that fit the stereotypes of hyperactivity that are prevalent among boys and men. Girls and women are more likely to show signs of inattention instead of hyperactivity. This can make them harder to recognize, and a gender bias might keep health professionals from examining ADHD as the cause behind their behavior.
If your clutter and disorganization are the result of stress, try to decrease the stress factors to reduce your frustration levels. Try mindfulness and meditation exercises, which will help you control your emotions, remain in the present moment, and manage the impulsivity. A healthy diet can help improve your symptoms. Avoiding foods that are loaded with sugars, fats, and chemicals can make you feel more calm and at peace.
Making the right decision can be difficult.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a difficult time making decisions because they are easily distracted. This can create difficulties both in their professional and personal lives. They might not be able to keep track on their plans or keep up with appointments or bill payments. In addition, their inattentive ADHD symptoms could make them more likely to lose or misplace things, which can lead to many issues.
Another typical ADHD symptom in women adults is mood swings as well as issues with their self-esteem. These problems can be exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, such as the ones that occur during menstrual cycle and pregnancy, as well as menopausal. inattentive adhd in women with ADHD are also more likely to experience depression or anxiety, which may be caused by their symptoms or may be independent of them. They are also more likely to develop co-occurring disorders, like eating disorders, tics, or fibromyalgia.
The signs of ADHD in women are more difficult to identify than symptoms of ADHD in men and boys. 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 can make it difficult to identify and may cause people to dismiss their symptoms as "character flaws" or as something they simply have to deal with.
It can be hard for women to recognize their ADHD symptoms, particularly if they have had these symptoms for a long time. They may get so used to their lack of focus and disorganization, they begin to believe it's normal. This can prevent them seeking out a diagnosis and getting treatment.
For women who have been diagnosed with ADHD, the most effective treatment is usually medication. Most commonly prescribed medication are stimulants. These medications are effective in increasing the levels of neurotransmitters inside the brain. These include methylphenidate and amphetamines and dextroamphetamines (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. Non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) or antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) desipramine (Norpramin) and nortriptyline (Pamelor), can also help control ADHD symptoms.
In addition to medications lifestyle changes can aid in reducing ADHD symptoms for women. Exercise, for example can improve mood and increase energy levels. It can also be beneficial for social skills. Joining an ADHD support group may be beneficial to women suffering from ADHD who find it easier to deal with their issues around other people.
Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD typically experience a high level of anxiety. This is due to a number of reasons, including low self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It can also be related to difficulties at work, such as trouble maintaining a job or adhering to workplace rules and procedures. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from depression comorbidity. This can cause feelings of self-doubt or anxiety. In addition, women with ADHD are more likely to develop disordered eating, such as anorexia and 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. People with this type of adhd exhibit six or more of the following symptoms that last for at least six months: are unable to focus on tasks at home as well as at school. You're easily distracted by the surroundings or your own thoughts or behavior. You are unable to sit still or focusing on a specific task (you are susceptible to a thousand-yard look). You're not able to follow instructions or meeting deadlines at the workplace or at school. You're forgetful when it comes to daily tasks such as paying bills or tracking medications.
Some women who suffer from ADHD mask their symptoms better than males. This makes it difficult to diagnose. For instance some women resort to coping strategies like disguising their inattention by displaying the appearance of a busy person or using tools to organize and remain focused. The symptoms can also change with hormone changes, particularly estrogen during the ovulation cycle and menstrual cycle.
The moment you receive an adhd diagnosis could be a life-changing event for those suffering from this condition. It can be a great relief to have a clear explanation of your issues and help you accept yourself more fully. It can also serve as an inspiration to make positive lifestyle changes.
Gender refers back to an individual's internal perception of being male or female, nonbinary, or another gender. Sex is determined by a person's chromosomal make-up and hormones as well as anatomy.