Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults
The symptoms of ADHD in women adults can be harder to detect. This is because women often develop strategies to disguise their ADHD symptoms.
This could include using a checklist or planner to track tasks, taking notes during meetings and engaging in plenty of exercise. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have difficulty expressing emotions.
Attentive Signs and symptoms
Women with inattentive ADHD often feel that their struggles are not noticed. They may miss deadlines, struggle to manage life admin tasks or struggle to remember important details. They may also struggle to keep up with their friends and family obligations while feeling constantly behind in their work and relationships, along with other milestones.
These symptoms can be even difficult to recognize in adults than in children, as women develop strategies to disguise their ADHD. They may develop coping habits in order to compensate for the symptoms, like using planners or establishing phone reminders. But these are often exhausting and unproductive with time.
Inattentive ADHD can make women feel low self-esteem, shame, and even failure. Many women suffering from inattentive ADHD don't have an official diagnosis, which could cause them to internalize their experiences of functional limitations and feel marginalized by other people. Some of these women experience remarks that are snide about being "lazy," or "flaky" or even "stupid." Others may observe their issues, but dismiss them as normal, particularly when they aren't as evident to others as the inattentive ADHD symptoms in men and boys.
In addition to concealing their symptoms, women suffering from inattentive ADHD may also rely on unhealthy or harmful strategies to cope that may worsen their symptoms over time, such as eating too much, binge-eating, an excessive dependence on sugary or caffeine-rich foods and procrastination. These actions can have severe consequences in the long run, especially when they lead to health issues such as obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news is that a combination of medication and lifestyle changes can aid in reducing symptoms for women suffering from inattentive ADHD. Regular exercise, regular eating habits and avoiding food and drinks that cause a crash in energy levels can all aid. Psychiatrists can prescribe stimulants that can improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity and help manage distracting and impulsive behavior in women suffering from ADHD.
However, it is important to know that stimulants can interact with certain medications for example, antidepressants, which is why it's important to consult an experienced health professional prior to starting any medication.
Hyperactive Symptoms
Women suffering from ADHD frequently exhibit hyperactive signs. They might be more distracted than other people and find it harder to follow instructions or complete everyday tasks like paying bills, doing laundry, or cooking. They may also have difficulty maintaining eye contact with others and may find it difficult to remain on topic when they talk. Women who suffer from ADHD may also experience difficulty maintaining their fitness levels, and might be unhappy when they fail to achieve 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 might adopt healthy coping strategies, such as using a daily schedule or creating reminders on their phones to help them remember important occasions. However, some women use unhealthy methods of coping, such as using alcohol or drugs in an effort to appear "normal" and to meet social expectations. These unhealthy coping strategies can have a negative impact on their self-esteem, making it difficult to admit they have ADHD.
Even when women manage their symptoms using medications or behavioral strategies but they still face emotional problems. mood swings can cause conflict in their personal relationships as well as their work lives, and they may feel like they have no control over their lives. Their frustration could cause them to blame themselves more for their troubles. This could only increase the feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem that they might already have.
As women get older as they age, their ADHD symptoms may change in type and severity. They may become worse during certain times of the month or menopausal or pregnancy, and these fluctuations are difficult to deal with. They may also be more noticeable during times of anxiety, grief or trying to conform to the expectations of society.
The only way to determine whether someone has ADHD is to be evaluated by a health care professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from the condition. A doctor will examine the patient's history and conduct tests to rule out other causes of their behavior, and determine the best treatment options. ADHD symptoms in adults males is usually treated with stimulant medication. However, non-stimulant medicines are sometimes prescribed if stimulants are not effective or are not suitable for the patient.
Impulsive Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD can be especially troubled by their impulsive symptoms. They may feel overwhelmed and like their lives are chaotic. They might be unable to keep track of numerous tasks, and are unable to remember important details at school or at work. The feeling of being inadequate can result in stress, anxiety 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. Additionally, a lot of people are biased towards women suffering from ADHD because they believe that it's a primarily male issue. In the end, some women are also undiagnosed or don't receive the treatment that can help them.
Hormonal fluctuations can alter the symptoms of women suffering from an impulsive ADHD. The symptoms can become more severe when ovulation occurs or in the middle of a woman's menstrual cycle as estrogen and progesterone are increasing. Women could be misdiagnosed as having problems with their mood or irritability, and not receive the appropriate treatment.
Women and girls who suffer from impulsive ADHD are more likely to engage in sexually dangerous activities, increasing their risk of unplanned pregnancy or becoming victims of intimate partner violence. They may also have trouble maintaining friendships or being assertive with other people.
Regular exercise can control the impulsive behavior that is common to adults and children with ADHD. It releases neurotransmitters that improve attention and focus and helps reduce symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stressed. Exercises that involve movement, such as daily runs or walks and dancing are particularly beneficial. Meditation, mindfulness training and taking calming supplements such as omega-3 fatty acid and magnesium are other options to manage the symptoms of impulsivity. Good sleep hygiene practices can help, as well as having a regular bedtime and restricting screen time before sleeping. Stimulants may help increase attention and focus but your doctor also considers other health conditions before prescribing a medication. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of participating in a clinical trial that is looking into new treatments or therapies for ADHD.
Emotional Symptoms
Women who suffer from ADHD are frequently affected by emotional problems like mood swings and self-regulation difficulties that can affect their relationships and professional interactions. These issues can also affect their finances, as they could struggle with budgets and balancing the cost of bills. The lack of self-control can result in impulsive spending and a tendency to make rash decisions when under pressure.
In general, the symptoms of adult ADHD are more numb than impulsive or hyperactive. Many women are misdiagnosed or are not diagnosed. As adults their symptoms may worsen during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. They may be exacerbated by other health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.
In the end, their symptoms are harder to spot for healthcare professionals than men and boys. Women often cover up ADHD symptoms by using coping mechanisms. They can create a schedule for their day or remind themselves to meet deadlines. They could also use self-medicating methods like alcohol or drugs to ease their feelings of anxiety.
These coping mechanisms may be effective for a short time, but they are detrimental in the long run. Over time these strategies for coping can cause women to feel stressed, depressed, and overwhelmed, which could cause lower self-esteem. They can also lead women to engage in unhealthy ways to manage their symptoms, such as non-suicide harming themselves (NSSI).
This is why it is important for women who suspect ADHD to consult a medical professional for a thorough assessment and diagnosis. A healthcare professional may recommend a treatment plan that includes medication and therapy. Adult ADHD medication includes stimulants and non-stimulants. The most popular stimulants are those that can boost energy levels and focus. They also help reduce depression and anxiety symptoms. Non-stimulants like antidepressants or atomoxetine, are often recommended for people who cannot take stimulants.
Women suffering from ADHD may also benefit from a change in their lifestyle. These include developing a routine, using tools for organization such as planners and apps, breaking tasks down into smaller chunks and implementing relaxation and mindfulness techniques. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can also be helpful. Additionally, it's an excellent idea to seek out someone who is experienced in treating ADHD in women, as they can better understand how the condition can affect the patients' moods and behavior.