Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in women can be difficult to identify. This is because a lot of women develop coping strategies to mask their ADHD symptoms.
This might include using a checklist or planner to track tasks, taking notes at meetings and engaging in plenty of exercise. Women with ADHD might also have difficulty expressing emotions.
Inattentional symptoms
Women with inattention ADHD often feel like their struggles are not noticed. They might miss deadlines, have difficulty managing the administrative tasks of life or struggle to remember specifics. They may also struggle to keep up with friends and family obligations while being constantly behind in their career, relationships, and other important milestones.
These symptoms are harder to spot in adults than in children because women develop strategies to hide their ADHD. They may build a system of coping techniques to manage their symptoms, for instance making use of planners or setting phone reminders, but they can become draining and ineffective over the course of time.
Inattentional ADHD can cause women to experience low self-esteem, shame, and even failure. Many women suffering from inattentive ADHD don't have a diagnosis, which can cause them to dwell on their own experiences of functional limitations and feel marginalized by other people. Many of these women receive snide remarks about being "lazy," "flaky," or even "stupid." Other may be aware of their issues, but dismiss them as "normal," especially if the symptoms are not as evident as those of inattentive ADHD for men and boys.
In addition to concealing their symptoms, people with inattentive ADHD may also depend on harmful or unhealthy coping mechanisms that can worsen their symptoms in time, like over-exercising, binge-eating, excessive consumption of caffeine and sugary foods, and 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 that a combination of medications and lifestyle changes can improve symptoms for women with inattention ADHD. Regular exercise, a regular eating routine and avoiding drinks and food that cause a decrease in energy levels can help. Psychologists may prescribe stimulants to help women with ADHD improve their focus, reduce hyperactivity, and manage the impulsive or distracting behavior.
It is important to know that stimulants can interact with certain medications for example, antidepressants, so it's best to consult with an expert in health before beginning any medication.
Hyperactive symptoms
Women with ADHD often exhibit hyperactive symptoms. They may be more distracted than others and may find it difficult to complete routine tasks such as paying bills or doing laundry. They may also have difficulty keeping eye contact with others and find it difficult to remain focused when talking. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulty maintaining their fitness levels, and may feel unhappy when they fail to achieve the physical goals that they set for themselves.
Untreated ADHD can cause women to develop strategies for coping that mask their symptoms. They may employ healthy strategies to cope like keeping an agenda for the day or setting reminders on their phones to help remember important events. However, some women employ unhealthy strategies for coping, like using alcohol or drugs in order to appear "normal" and meet societal expectations. These unhealthy coping habits can have a negative impact on their self-esteem and make it more difficult to recognize that they suffer from ADHD.
Even when women are able to manage their symptoms through behavioral strategies or medication however, they may still experience emotional issues. These mood swings can cause conflict in personal relationships and at work, and women might feel like they are in control of their lives. Their frustrations could cause them to blame themselves for their issues, which only adds to feelings of guilt and low self-esteem that they might already be experiencing.
As women age, their ADHD symptoms may alter in severity and form. These fluctuations can be hard to deal with, especially when they occur during certain months and during menopausal or pregnancy. They may be more apparent in times of stress, grief or when trying to live up to social expectations.
The only way to determine if a person has ADHD is to have them examined by a health care professional with experience treating adults with the condition. A health care provider will examine the patient's past and conduct tests to rule other causes of their behaviour out before prescribing appropriate treatment options. Adult ADHD is usually treated with stimulant medications. However, non-stimulant medicines are sometimes prescribed if stimulants fail to work or are not suitable for the patient.
The symptoms of an impulse
Women suffering from ADHD are often plagued by impulsive behaviors. They may feel overwhelmed and as if their lives are chaotic. They may also have difficulty to keep track of multiple tasks, and they have a hard time remembering important details at work or school. The feelings of inadequacy and anxiety can build 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. In addition, many are biased towards women suffering from ADHD because they believe it's a mostly male condition. Women are often misdiagnosed or they miss out on treatment options that could be beneficial.
Hormonal fluctuations can impact the symptoms of women with an impulsive ADHD. The symptoms can become more severe during ovulation or during the middle of a woman's menstrual period as estrogen and progesterone are rising. This can cause women to be wrongly diagnosed with irritability or mood disorders and, consequently, they might not receive the correct treatments.
Women and girls who suffer from impulsive type ADHD may be more likely to embark on dangerous sexual activities, putting them at greater risk of unwanted pregnancies or becoming victims of violence from intimate partners. They also may have a difficult time maintaining friendships and are unable to assert themselves when dealing with others.
Regular exercise can help manage the symptoms of impulsivity that affect adults and children suffering from ADHD. It releases neurotransmitters, which improve concentration and attention, and also reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Movement-based exercise is particularly beneficial, like running or walking on a regular basis or 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. Practicing good sleep hygiene can help, as well as setting a consistent bedtime and restricting screen time before sleeping. Stimulants can help improve focus and attention, but your doctor will take into account other health conditions when selecting a medication. Ask your doctor if you can participate in a clinical study that examines new medications or treatments for ADHD.
Emotional symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are often affected by emotional issues such as mood swings, and self-regulation issues that can affect their relationships and professional interactions. These issues can also impact their finances since they could be unable to manage budgets and balancing expenses. The lack of self-control can lead to reckless spending and a tendency for them to make decisions under pressure.
Adult ADHD is more often manifested as inattentional symptoms than hyperactive or impulsive behavior. Due to this, many women are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. As adults, their symptoms can worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Other health conditions such as depression or anxiety can also make their symptoms worse.
In the end, their symptoms are harder to detect for healthcare professionals than for men and boys. Women tend to mask ADHD symptoms with ways of coping. They might create a daily schedule, or remind themselves to meet deadlines. They could also use self-medicating methods like alcohol or drugs to relieve their anxiety.
ADHD symptoms in adult women coping strategies may be beneficial in the short run but they can be detrimental in the long-term. Over time, they can cause women to feel stressed, depressed, and angry, which can lead to low self-esteem. They can also cause women to engage in unhealthy ways to manage their symptoms, including non-suicide self-harm (NSSI).
This is why it is essential for women who suspect ADHD to consult a medical professional for a thorough examination and diagnosis. A healthcare professional can suggest treatment and medication as part of the treatment plan. Adult ADHD medications include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. The stimulants are the most frequently employed because they help improve focus and increase energy levels. They also help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Non-stimulants like antidepressants and atomoxetine are usually recommended for those who cannot take stimulants.
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 practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Regular exercise as well as a balanced diet and a good night's sleep can help. In addition, it is a good idea to find someone who is experienced in treating ADHD in women, since they will better understand how the condition can affect the patients' moods and behavior.