Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in women of adulthood can be difficult to identify. This is due to the fact that women frequently develop coping mechanisms to mask their ADHD symptoms.
You can do this by using an organizer to track your tasks, taking notes in meetings, and engaging in enough physical activity. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have a harder time expressing emotions.
Inattentive Signs
Women who suffer from inattention ADHD find it difficult to believe that their struggles are not noticed. They might miss deadlines, struggle to manage life admin tasks, or struggle with remembering details. They might also have trouble keeping up with friendships and managing obligations at home, while feeling like they're constantly behind their peers in their career and relationships, as well as other important milestones.
These symptoms are harder to spot in adults than in children, as women develop strategies to hide their ADHD. They might develop coping strategies in order to compensate for the symptoms, like using planners or establishing phone reminders. However, these methods are often exhausting and unproductive with time.
Inattentional ADHD in women can lead to low self-esteem, as well as feelings of shame and inadequacy. Women who suffer from inattentive ADHD are more likely to internalize the functional limitations they suffer from and feel stigmatized when they don't receive a diagnosis. Some of these women receive snide remarks about being "lazy," "flaky," or "stupid." Others might observe their issues, but dismiss them as "normal," especially if the symptoms aren't as obvious as inattention ADHD in boys and men.
Women who are not attentive ADHD are able to mask their symptoms by using unhealthy or harmful coping strategies. These include excessive exercise, binge eating and sugary food intake, and also procrastination. These habits can have serious consequences in the long run particularly when they lead to health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news is a combination medication and lifestyle modifications can alleviate symptoms of women with inattentive ADHD. Exercise, a regular eating schedule and avoiding foods and drinks that cause energy crash can all help. Psychologists may also prescribe stimulants, which can help improve focus, decrease hyperactivity, and manage impulsive and distracting behaviors of women suffering from ADHD.
It is crucial to understand that stimulants may interact with certain medications such as antidepressants. Therefore it is recommended to consult with a medical professional prior to taking any medication.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Women with ADHD typically exhibit hyperactive symptoms. They might be more distracted than other people and have a harder time follow instructions or complete tasks that are routine, such as paying bills, washing laundry, or cooking. They may also have difficulty maintaining eye contact with others and find it difficult to remain focused when speaking. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty staying active and may feel frustrated if they don't achieve their physical goals.
Many women with untreated ADHD develop coping strategies to reduce their symptoms. They might adopt healthy coping strategies like keeping an agenda for the day or creating reminders on their phones to help remember important occasions. Women, however, make use of unhealthy methods for coping that include drinking or using drugs to appear "normal" to satisfy society's expectations. These unhealthy ways of coping can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and make it harder for them to acknowledge that they have ADHD.
Even if women are able manage their symptoms through medication or behavioral strategies but they can still suffer from emotional issues. The fluctuation in mood can create tension in relationships with family and friends and at work, and women could feel like they are not in control of their lives. Their anger can make them more likely to blame themselves for their issues and this only increases the feelings of inadequacy and self-worth they might already feel.
As they age, the types and severity of women's ADHD symptoms may change. These fluctuations can be hard to handle, especially when they occur during certain months, during pregnancy or menopause. They may also be more noticeable during times of emotional stress or grief, and when people are trying to meet societal expectations.
Only a health professional who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD can tell if a person is suffering from ADHD. A health care provider can evaluate the person's history, run tests to determine the other reasons for their behavior, and then determine the best treatment options. Stimulant medication is the most common treatment for adult ADHD However, non-stimulant drugs can be prescribed if stimulants aren't effective or suitable for the patient.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD can be especially affected by their impulsive behaviors. They feel overwhelmed and their lives are in chaos. They might also find it difficult to manage multiple tasks, and they struggle to remember important details at school or at work. Their feelings of inadequateness, anxiety and stress can all add to 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. Additionally, severe ADHD symptoms adults of people are sexist towards women who suffer from ADHD because they believe it's a mostly male issue. Women are often misdiagnosed or miss out on treatment that could be helpful.
The impulsive-type ADHD symptoms of women usually change with the fluctuation of hormones. The symptoms may become more severe during ovulation, or in the middle of a woman's menstrual period as estrogen and progesterone are increasing. Women may be wrongly diagnosed as having mood disorders or irritability and not receive the appropriate treatment.
Girls and women with an impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in sexually risky activities, thereby increasing the chance of unplanned pregnancy or becoming victims of intimate partner violence. They also may have difficulty maintaining relationships and may find it difficult to assert themselves when dealing with others.
Regular exercise can help control the impulsive behavior of adults and children with ADHD. It releases neurotransmitters that improve focus and attention and decreases symptoms such as anxiety, depression and stress. Movement-based exercise is especially helpful, such as a daily walk or run or swimming, or dancing. Other ways to deal with symptoms of impulsivity include meditation mindfulness training, and taking calming supplements, such as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy sleep routine is essential. This means establishing an unchanging bedtime, and limiting screen time prior to bed. The use of stimulants can boost concentration and attention, however your doctor will consider other health conditions when choosing the right medication. Ask your doctor if you can participate in a clinical study that is looking at new medications or treatments for ADHD.
Emotional Signs and Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional problems such as mood swings and self-regulation difficulties that can affect their relationships and professional interactions. These issues can also affect their finances, as they might have trouble keeping track of bills and managing budgets. Their lack of self control can lead to impulsive spending, and a tendency for them to make decisions under pressure.
Adult ADHD is typically characterized by inattentive symptoms as opposed to hyperactive or impulsive behaviors. Due to this, many women are misdiagnosed, or go undiagnosed. As adults, symptoms can worsen during menstrual cycles, during pregnancy, or at menopause. They can also be exacerbated by other health issues such as anxiety or depression.
As a result, their symptoms are more difficult to recognize for healthcare professionals than males and females. Women are more likely to cover ADHD symptoms by using ways of coping. They might create a daily schedule, or remind themselves to meet deadlines. They may also self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to ease their anxiety.
These strategies for coping may be efficient in the short-term but they can be detrimental in the long-term. Over time, they could cause women to feel more overwhelmed, depressed, and frustrated, leading to a low self-esteem. They can also cause women to resort to unhealthy ways of coping with their symptoms, including non-suicide harming themselves (NSSI).
This is why it is crucial for women who suspect ADHD to consult a medical professional for a thorough assessment and diagnosis. A healthcare professional may recommend medication and therapy as part of a treatment plan. Medications used to treat adult ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are most commonly employed because they help improve focus and boost energy levels. They also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who are unable to take stimulants are often prescribed non-stimulants such as antidepressants or atomoxetine.
Lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms in women, including developing 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 be beneficial. It is also an excellent idea for women to find a therapist with experience in treating ADHD as they will know the emotional and behavioral effects of this disorder.