ADHD Symptoms in Women Adults
Women who suffer from ADHD experience a wide range of symptoms which can affect their daily functioning at work, school and home. ADHD is treated with psychotherapy and medication by an expert in mental health who has experience treating adults with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.
Inattention and lack of Focus
Women suffering from ADHD may have difficulty to concentrate and feel like their concentration is slipping. They may lose the track of time, neglect appointments or other obligations, and suffer from poor work performance. They also tend to be more likely to develop co-occurring disorders such as depression or anxiety and to experience relationship difficulties which can result in intimate partner violence.
In adolescence, fluctuations in hormones make it more difficult for girls suffering from ADHD to concentrate. This is due to the fact that estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, and goes down further at the time of the beginning of menstruation. When coupled with progesterone which is abundant in the brain of adolescents these fluctuations can cause symptoms and make them more obvious. They also increase the risk of being misdiagnosed with depression or anxiety and improperly 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 spot the same issues with behavior that teachers or parents might detect in children suffering from ADHD. Girls with ADHD are also better at concealing their symptoms, and rely on tools to alleviate their attention issues. This can create an illusion of competence, as well as a deep sense of self-doubt that can impact career and financial success.
In addition, the insanity of women and girls with ADHD can cause them to have more sexual experiences than their peers and at a younger age. This can result in unhealthy relationships, and a higher risk of being pressured into sexual activities that are not desired or being victims of sexual assault. It can also lead disordered food consumption and increase the likelihood of alcohol and substance abuse.
Regular exercise can increase focus and release neurotransmitters to improve working memory and alertness. It can also alleviate anxiety and improve sleep as well, both of which are common issues for people with ADHD. Try taking a walk or yoga class, swimming, or playing a game.
Disorganization
Women suffering from ADHD are often affected by clutter and disorganization. Your home and work life can be chaotic and messy, even though you are cleaning or trying to organize. Late payments, missed appointments and lost papers can negatively impact your personal and professional relationships. You could also suffer health issues as a result of a poor nutrition, skipping doctor appointments or not taking medications as directed.
When adult add women have ADHD, it's difficult to maintain your usual level of organization because your symptoms become more severe when you are faced with certain stressors. Your desk at work could be a jumbled muddle of receipts, 17 chapsticks, and a ticket for the Kings of Leon concert you attended in 2008. Your cart at the grocery store could be overflowing with items you don't use. Your purse could be filled with a few random things like a pair of scissors keys, a pen, keys paper, or an extra set headphones.
Inattentional ADHD is the most prevalent kind of disorder. It is characterized by difficulty paying attention, following directions, or being socially active. You could easily lose your keys or forget to make appointments or be lenient with other people because you don't realize the difficulties they're in. You may have difficulty completing tasks, get overwhelmed at school or at work, and feel like you're not part of your colleagues.
Many women and girls aren't diagnosed with ADHD because their symptoms don't fit the stereotype of hyperactivity in boys and men. Women and girls are often non-attentional symptoms instead of hyperactive which makes it difficult to identify. A gender bias may also prevent health care providers from evaluating ADHD to be the reason of their behavior.
Reduce stress and lower your level of frustration. Meditation and mindfulness exercises can help you control your impulsivity, manage your emotions and focus on the moment. A healthy diet may improve your symptoms. Avoiding foods that are high in fat, sugar and other chemicals could help you feel more calm and focused.
Making decisions can be difficult
Women suffering from ADHD are unable to focus on making decisions, because they are easily distracted. This can lead to issues both in their personal and professional lives. They may not be able to stick to on their plans or keep up with appointments and bill payments. Their lack of attention ADHD can make them more likely than others to misplace things or lose them, which could cause a number of problems.
A mood swing and low self-esteem are also typical symptoms of ADHD among women. These issues can be exacerbated by hormone fluctuations, such as those that occur during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, or menopausal. Women who suffer 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 experience co-occurring disorders, such as eating disorders, tics, or fibromyalgia.
The symptoms of ADHD can be more difficult to recognize in women than in males or 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 diagnose and cause people to dismiss symptoms as "character problems" or something that they must deal with.
It can be hard for women to recognize their ADHD symptoms, particularly if they have had them for a long period of time. They may become accustomed to their lack of attention and disorganization that they believe it's normal. This may hinder them from seeking diagnosis or treatment.
The most effective treatment for women diagnosed with ADHD is typically medication. Most commonly prescribed medication are stimulants. These drugs are effective in increasing the levels of neurotransmitters within the brain. These include methylphenidate and amphetamines, dextroamphetamines and salts (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 aid in controlling ADHD symptoms.
Women can improve their symptoms of ADHD by making lifestyle changes, in addition to taking medication. For instance, exercise can boost mood and increase energy levels. It can also help improve social abilities. Women who suffer from ADHD have a better chance to cope with their symptoms when they are with other people who have similar symptoms, which is why joining an ADHD support group could be a good idea.
Anxiety
Women who suffer from ADHD are often afflicted with a high level of anxiety. This is due to a number of causes, including low self-esteem and difficulties in relationships. It could also be related to issues at work like having trouble keeping the job or observing workplace rules and procedures. Women who suffer from ADHD also have higher rates of comorbid depression and anxiety, which can increase feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Women with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from disordered 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. The people with this subtype of adhd experience at least six of the following symptoms lasting for at least six months: You have trouble staying focused on tasks at home and at school. You are easily distracted by the environment or by your own thoughts and behavior. You are unable to sit still or focusing your mind on a particular task (you are susceptible to a thousand-yard look). 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 bills and keeping track of medications.
Some women with ADHD are more successful in hiding their symptoms than men and this can make getting the diagnosis difficult. For example, some women use coping strategies like disguising their inattention by displaying an active appearance or using tools to stay organized and stay on task. The symptoms can also fluctuate due to hormonal changes, particularly estrogen during ovulation and the menstrual cycle.
The diagnosis of adhd can alter the life of many adults who suffer from this condition. It can be a relief when you know the cause of your issues. It can help you accept yourself more fully. It could also act as a catalyst to initiate positive lifestyle changes.
Gender is the internal sense that a person has of being female, male nonbinary, or a different gender. Sex refers to a person's chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy and is determined by birth.