ADHD Symptoms in Women Adults
Women who have ADHD typically experience a range of symptoms that can affect their the way they live at home, school as well as in relationships. ADHD is treated with medication and psychotherapy by an expert in mental health who has experience treating adults with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD may be worsened by hormonal changes that happen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause or menopause.
Inattention and lack of Focus
Women who suffer from ADHD often find that they lack the ability to concentrate and feel like their concentration is declining. They might lose the track of time, neglect appointments or other obligations, and struggle with poor work performance. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders such as anxiety or depression, and relationships problems can lead them to violence.
As we get older, hormone changes can make it more difficult for girls suffering from ADHD to focus. This is due to estrogen levels decrease around the menstrual cycle and at the time of Ovulation. These fluctuations, when paired with progesterone which is a major hormone in the brains of adolescents, can make symptoms more noticeable. These fluctuations can also increase the risk of being mistakenly diagnosed 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. It can be difficult to recognize them as they age since adults are less likely than their parents or teachers to be aware of the same behavior issues that children with ADHD might be experiencing. Girls who suffer from ADHD also tend to be better at concealing their symptoms and rely on tools to compensate for their attention issues. This can create an untrue sense of competence and a deep-seated sense of self-doubt that can impact career and financial success.
The impulsivity that is associated with ADHD in women and girls can also result in them being more sexually active than their peers and at a later age. This can lead them to have a bad relationships and a greater likelihood of being forced to engage in unwanted sexual activity or being the victim of sexual assault. It may also contribute to disordered eating and could increase the risk of alcohol or substance abuse.
Regular physical activity can help increase focus and release neurotransmitters that improve working memory and alertness. It also helps reduce stress and improve sleep, both of which are common problems for those suffering from ADHD. Try yoga, walking or swimming, or even playing an activity.
Disorganization
Women with ADHD are often plagued by disorganization and clutter. While you may be able to spend time cleaning and organizing your home, your home and work life can be chaotic. Late bills, missed appointments and lost papers can negatively impact your personal and professional relationships. You may also experience health problems from poor nutrition, skipping doctor visits or failing to take medications as directed.
When you have ADHD it is difficult to maintain your usual level of organization, as your symptoms are exacerbated when you are faced with certain stressors. Your office desk may be a chaotic mess of receipts, 17 chapsticks and tickets from the Kings of Leon show you attended in 2008. Your shopping cart could be overflowing with things that you don't need. Your handbag may contain an assortment of random items such as a pair scissors keys, a pen, keys paper, or an extra set headphones.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms are the most prevalent type of ADHD and include difficulty paying attention or following directions at work, school or in social settings. You may easily lose your keys or forget appointments and be too lenient towards others because you don't know the difficulties they're in. You may have difficulty completing tasks, get overwhelmed at work or school and feel like you don't fit in with your peers.
Many girls and woman aren't diagnosed with ADHD because they don't have symptoms that match the stereotypes of hyperactivity that are prevalent among males and females. Girls and women are more likely to exhibit inattention instead of hyperactivity, which could make them harder to diagnose, and a gender bias might prevent health care professionals from considering ADHD as the cause behind their behavior.
If your disorganization and clutter are caused by stress, try to reduce these factors to lessen the level of stress. Practice meditation and mindfulness exercises, which will help you control your emotions, stay in the present moment and manage the impulsivity. A healthy diet may help you manage your symptoms, and avoiding foods that are high in fat, sugar and other chemicals could help you feel more calm and focused.
Problems in Making Decisions
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to focus on making decisions as they are easily distracted. This can create problems both in their professional and personal lives. They might have difficulty following through with their plans or failing to keep track of appointments and expenses. In addition, their inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause them to lose or misplace things, which can lead to various issues.
A mood swing and low self-esteem are also common signs of ADHD in women. These problems are sometimes worsened by hormone fluctuations, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle or during pregnancy, or menopausal. Women suffering from ADHD can also experience anxiety or depression. These symptoms can trigger these conditions, or they may develop independently. They are also more likely to suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, or fibromyalgia.
The symptoms of ADHD can be more difficult to identify in women than in males or 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 can cause people to dismiss their symptoms as "character flaws" or a problem they have to deal with.
Women may be unable to recognize their ADHD symptoms, especially when they've been suffering from them for a while. They may get so used to their lack of attention and disorganization, they begin to think it is normal. This can prevent them getting a diagnosis and treatment.
The most effective treatment for women who are diagnosed with ADHD is typically medication. The most commonly prescribed medications are stimulants, which function by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters that are present in the brain. These include methylphenidate (Ritalin) dextroamphetamine, amphetamine salts (Adderall), and the lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). 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 medication, lifestyle changes can also aid in reducing ADHD symptoms for women. Exercise, for instance can boost mood and boost energy. It can also improve social skills. Women who suffer from ADHD have a better chance to cope with their symptoms when they are with other people, so joining an ADHD support group could be an excellent idea.
Anxiety
Women with ADHD often experience a high level of anxiety. This is due to a variety of factors such as low self-esteem or difficulties in relationships. It could also be related to problems at work, like difficulty keeping an occupation or adhering to the rules and regulations of the workplace. Women with ADHD also have higher levels of depression comorbidity and anxiety, which can increase feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Women who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from 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. Those with this subtype of adhd have six or more of the following symptoms lasting for at least six months: struggle to stay focused on tasks at home and at school. You are easily distracted by the environment or your own thoughts or behavior. You're having trouble staying focused or focusing your attention on a task (you're prone to the thousand-yard stare). You have difficulty following instructions or meeting deadlines in the workplace or at school. You're a bit forgetful or numb in daily routines like paying your bills and tracking medications.
Women who suffer from ADHD mask their symptoms better than men. This makes it difficult to recognize. Some women cover up their inattention by dressing well or using devices that help them stay organized and focused. It is also possible for symptoms to change in response to hormonal changes, especially estrogen during the ovulation period and menstrual cycle.
signs of add in adult women receive an adhd diagnosis could be a pivotal moment for those suffering from this disorder. It can be a great relief to have a clear explanation for your problems and can help you accept yourself more fully. It can also be an inspiration to make positive lifestyle changes.
Gender refers to an individual's internal perception of being male or female, nonbinary, or a different gender. Sex refers to the chromosomal makeup of a person, hormones, and anatomy, and is determined by birth.