Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in women are often difficult to recognize. This is because a lot of women develop strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms.
This might include using checklists or a planner to keep track of tasks, making notes at meetings and engaging in plenty of exercise. Women who suffer from ADHD may be able to express their emotions.
Attentive Symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD often feel that their challenges go unnoticed. They may miss deadlines, have difficulty managing life admin tasks or struggle to remember details. They can also have trouble maintaining relationships and managing obligations at home, while feeling like they're constantly behind their peers in their career and relationships, as well as other important events.
Adults have more difficulty identifying these symptoms than children, since women are more likely to develop strategies to hide their ADHD. They might develop a set of coping habits to compensate for their symptoms, for instance using planners or establishing phone reminders however, they can become exhausting and ineffective after a while.
Inattentional ADHD in women can result in low self-esteem and feelings of shame and inadequacy. Women who have inattentive ADHD are more likely to be absorbed by the functional limitations they suffer from and feel shammed if they do not receive an official diagnosis. Some of these women receive snide comments about being "lazy," or "flaky" or "stupid." Others may notice their problems but dismiss them as normal, particularly in cases where they aren't apparent to others as inattentive ADHD symptoms in boys and men.
Women with inattentive ADHD are able to mask their symptoms by using unhealthy or harmful coping strategies. These include excessive exercise, binge-eating and consumption of sugary foods, as well as procrastination. These can have serious repercussions especially in the long run when they start to result in health problems like weight problems as well as high blood pressure and heart disease.
The good news is that the combination of lifestyle changes and medication can improve symptoms for women suffering from inattentive ADHD. Regular exercise, regular eating habits and avoiding foods and drinks that cause a decrease in energy levels can help. Psychologists may prescribe stimulants, which can improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity and manage impulsive and distracting behavior in women suffering from ADHD.
However, it's important to note that stimulants can interact with certain medications, such as antidepressants, so it's best to talk with an expert in health before starting any medication.
Hyperactive symptoms
Women with ADHD are typically hyperactive. They may be more distractible than other people and find it harder to follow directions or complete routine tasks, such as paying bills, doing laundry, or cooking. They might also have difficulty to keep eye contact with others and stay on the same topic when talking. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulty being active, and they may be dissatisfied when they are not able to meet the physical goals that they have set for themselves.
Untreated ADHD can lead to many women to develop strategies for coping that cover up their symptoms. They may employ healthy strategies to cope for example, like establishing a daily schedule or setting reminders on their phones to help them remember important occasions. Some women, however, make use of unhealthy methods for coping like alcohol or drugs, to appear "normal" to satisfy society's expectations. These unhealthy strategies for coping can affect their self-esteem negatively, making it difficult to admit that they have ADHD.
Although combined ADHD symptoms in adults may be able to manage their symptoms using medication or behavioral strategies however, they could still be suffering from emotional problems. The fluctuation in mood can cause conflict in personal relationships and at work, and women could feel as if they are not in control of their lives. Their frustration can lead them to blame themselves for their issues. This can only exacerbate the feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem that they might already feel.
As women age, their ADHD symptoms can change in their severity and type. They may be more severe during certain times of the month or menopausal or pregnancy and these changes can be difficult to cope with. They may be more apparent during times of anxiety, grief or trying to conform to the expectations of society.
Only a professional in health care who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD can determine if someone has ADHD. A doctor will evaluate the person's past, run tests to determine the other causes of their behavior, and then determine the best treatment options. Adult ADHD is most commonly treated with stimulant medication. However, non-stimulant medications may be prescribed if stimulants do not work or aren't suitable for the patient.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD are often concerned by their impulsive behavior. They often feel overwhelmed and as if their lives are chaotic. They may also have trouble keeping track of multiple tasks and may forget important details at school or work. Their feelings of inadequacy can lead to anxiety, stress and depression.
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. Many people also have a bias against women suffering from ADHD and believe that it is an illness that is mostly affecting males. Some women are misdiagnosed, or are unable to access treatment options that could be beneficial.
Hormonal fluctuations can impact the symptoms of women with impulsive ADHD. They can become more severe during ovulation, and during the middle of their menstrual cycles, when progesterone levels decrease and estrogen levels rise. Women may be misdiagnosed as having mood disorders or irritability and not receive the proper treatment.
Women and girls who suffer from an impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in sexually dangerous activities, increasing their risk of unwanted pregnancy or becoming victims of intimate partner violence. They may also have trouble maintaining friendships or being assertive with others.
Regular exercise can help reduce the symptoms of impulsivity in adults and children with ADHD. It releases neurotransmitters that improve concentration and attention, and also reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Moving exercises are especially helpful, such as running or walking every day, swimming or dancing. Other methods to control symptoms of impulsivity include meditation mindfulness training, and taking calming supplements such as magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids. A good night's sleep can also help, including setting a consistent bedtime and restricting screen time prior to bed. Stimulants can help improve focus and attention, but your doctor will take into account other health conditions when selecting the right medication. Ask your physician if you're able to take part in a study that is looking at new medications or treatments for ADHD.
Emotional Signs and Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD are often affected by emotional issues like mood swings and self-regulation issues that may affect their relationships and professional interactions. These issues can also impact their finances, as they could struggle with budgets and balancing bills. The lack of self-control can lead to impulsive spending and a tendency for them to make decisions under pressure.
In general, the symptoms of adult ADHD are more inattentive than those who are hyperactive or impulsive. Many women are misdiagnosed, or are not diagnosed. As adults their symptoms may worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. They may also be aggravated by other health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
This means that their symptoms are more difficult to spot for healthcare professionals than for men and boys. This is because women tend to mask their ADHD symptoms by building coping mechanisms. They might create an agenda for the day or remind themselves to meet deadlines. They may also use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate their feelings of anxiety, forgetfulness, or insanity.
These coping strategies may be effective in a short period of time, but they can be detrimental in the long run. Over time the strategies used to cope can cause women to feel more stressed, depressed and overwhelmed, which can cause lower self-esteem. In addition, they may cause unhealthy ways of dealing with their symptoms, such as self-injury that is not suicide (NSSI).
ADHD symptoms in adults males is crucial that women who suspect ADHD seek a medical professional to conduct a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. A healthcare professional can suggest medication and therapy as part of a treatment program. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants are most commonly used because they can help improve focus and boost energy levels. They can also alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. People who cannot take stimulants are often prescribed non-stimulants such as antidepressants or atomoxetine.
Lifestyle changes can aid in managing ADHD symptoms for women, such as establishing routines by using tools for organization such as planners or apps, breaking tasks down into smaller steps, and implementing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Regular exercise as well as a healthy diet and adequate sleep can also be beneficial. Additionally, it's recommended to seek out an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD in women, since they will be able to better know how the condition may affect the patients' moods and behavior.
