Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in women can be difficult to detect. This is because women typically develop coping strategies to hide their ADHD symptoms.
This could mean using checklists or a planner to keep track of tasks, taking notes at meetings and getting plenty of physical exercise. Women with ADHD might also have a harder time expressing emotions.
Attention-deficit Signs and symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD often feel like their struggles go unnoticed. They might miss deadlines, struggle with life admin tasks or struggle to remember specifics. They might also have trouble keeping up with friends and coping with family obligations, and feel that they're always behind peers in career, relationships and other events.
Adults can have more difficulty recognizing these symptoms than children, because women are more likely to develop strategies to conceal their ADHD. They might develop a set of coping habits to compensate for their symptoms, like using planners or setting phone reminders however these strategies can be draining and ineffective over the course of time.
Inattentive ADHD in women can cause low self-esteem and feelings of shame and inadequacy. Women with inattentive ADHD are more likely to internalize the functional impairments they experience and feel stigmatized if they don't receive the diagnosis. Some of these women are subject to negative remarks about them being "lazy," "flaky," or "stupid." Others may be aware of their issues but dismiss them as "normal," especially if the symptoms are not as evident as those of inattentive ADHD in boys and men.
Women with inattention ADHD may cover up their symptoms by employing unhealthy or harmful strategies to cope. They may resort to excessive exercise, binge eating, sugary food intake, as well as procrastination. These can have serious consequences, particularly in the long-term when they result in health problems like weight problems high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news is a combination of medications and lifestyle changes may help improve symptoms for women with inattention ADHD. Regular exercise, regular eating habits and avoiding foods and drinks that can cause a drop in energy levels can all help. Psychologists can also prescribe stimulants, which can aid in improving focus, decrease hyperactivity, and control distracting and impulsive behaviors in women with ADHD.
It is crucial to be aware that stimulants may interact with certain medications such as antidepressants. Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Women with ADHD tend to be hyperactive. They may be more distracted than others and find it difficult to complete everyday tasks such as paying bills or doing laundry. They may also have difficulty maintaining eye contact with other people and finding it harder to remain focused when speaking. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty staying active, and they may be frustrated when they are unable to achieve the physical goals that they set for themselves.
Many women with untreated ADHD develop coping strategies to reduce their symptoms. They can use healthy strategies to cope, such as creating reminders on their phones to help them remember important dates. However, some women use unhealthy strategies for coping, like drinking or using drugs in an effort to appear "normal" and meet societal expectations. These unhealthy coping strategies can affect their self-esteem negatively, making it difficult for them to admit that they suffer from ADHD.
Although women may be able to manage their symptoms using drugs or strategies for managing their behavior, they may still experience emotional issues. The fluctuation in mood can cause conflict in personal relationships and at work, and women might feel as if they are in control of their lives. Their frustration could cause them to blame themselves more for their problems. This could only increase the feelings of inadequateness or low self-esteem they may already feel.
As they get older, the types and severity of women's ADHD symptoms can change. They may become worse during certain times of the month or during menopausal or pregnancy and these changes can be difficult to cope with. They may also be more noticeable in times of stress or grieving, as well as when people are trying to meet the demands of society's expectations.
Only a healthcare professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD can determine if someone has ADHD. A health professional will examine the patient's history and perform tests to rule out other causes of their behavior, and determine the best treatment options. Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. However, non-stimulant drugs may be prescribed if stimulants do not work or are not appropriate for the patient.
Instinctive Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD are often troubled by impulsive behavior. They feel overwhelmed and their lives are in chaos. They might also find it difficult to keep track of multiple tasks, and they struggle to remember important details at school or at work. The feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and stress can build up and cause depression and low self-esteem.
As with girls, the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD in females are less easy to notice than those in boys and men, which can make it harder for them to receive a diagnosis. There is a bias against women who have ADHD, believing it is a condition that affects mostly males. This is why some women are also not diagnosed correctly or aren't receiving the treatment that can help them.
Hormonal fluctuations can affect the symptoms of women with impulsive ADHD. The symptoms may worsen when ovulation occurs or during the middle of the menstrual cycle when estrogen and progesterone are rising. This can result in women being misdiagnosed with mood disorders or irritability, and they might not receive the appropriate treatment.
Girls and women with impulsive-type ADHD may be more likely to embark on sexual activities that are risky, which puts them at a higher chance of having unwanted babies or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners. They may also have trouble maintaining friendships or being assertive with their peers.
Regular exercise can help control the impulsive behavior that is common to children and adults who have ADHD. It releases neurotransmitters which boost concentration and attention, and reduces symptoms like depression, anxiety and stressed. Movement-based exercise is especially helpful, such as running or walking on a regular basis or swimming, or dancing. Meditation, mindfulness training, and taking calming supplements such as omega-3 fatty acid and magnesium are other ways to manage the symptoms of impulsivity. Good sleep hygiene practices can be helpful, such as having a regular bedtime and limiting time spent on screens before bed. Stimulants may help increase attention and focus however, your doctor takes into consideration other health conditions prior to prescribing a medication. Ask your doctor if you are able to participate in a clinical study that is looking at new medications or treatments for ADHD.
Emotional symptoms
Women with ADHD frequently experience emotional issues such as mood swings and issues in self-regulation. These issues can affect relationships and professional interactions. These issues can also affect their finances, as they could have difficulty managing budgets and keeping track of the cost of bills. The lack of self-control can lead to reckless spending, and a tendency for them to take risks when under pressure.
Adult ADHD is more often manifested as inattentional symptoms than hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Many women are misdiagnosed, or never diagnosed. As we age, symptoms can worsen when menstrual cycles are in the course of pregnancy, or at menopause. They can also be exacerbated by other health issues such as depression or anxiety.
In the end, their symptoms are more difficult to detect for healthcare professionals than for males and females. Women often cover up ADHD symptoms by using strategies for coping. For instance, they may keep a daily schedule or set reminders to meet deadlines. They might also turn to alcohol or drugs to manage their feelings of restlessness and forgetfulness or impulsiveness.
These strategies of coping might be efficient in the short-term but they can be harmful in the long term. In time, these coping strategies can cause women to feel depressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed, which could lead to low self-esteem. They can also lead women to engage in unhealthy ways of coping with their symptoms, such as non-suicide self-harm (NSSI).
This is why it is important for women who suspect they have ADHD to visit a healthcare professional for a thorough examination and diagnosis. A healthcare professional can suggest an appropriate treatment plan that incorporates medication and therapy. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants and nonstimulants. Stimulants are most commonly utilized because they can improve focus and boost energy levels. They can also reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine or antidepressants, are frequently recommended to people who are unable to take stimulants.
Lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms in women, which includes establishing routines, using organizational tools like planners or apps, breaking tasks down into smaller steps, and implementing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Regular exercise and a balanced diet and adequate sleep can also be beneficial. In symptoms of ADHD in adults female , it is recommended to seek out a therapist who has experience treating ADHD in women, since they will better comprehend how the condition could affect the patient's emotions and behavior.