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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Although ADHD symptoms are more prevalent in boys and men, women can suffer from the disorder too. The symptoms can vary based on the time of year, due to hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstrual cycles or pregnancy, or menopausal symptoms. Treatment and diagnosis are crucial first steps. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication can improve work relationships, social interactions and school performance. Signs and symptoms Women with ADHD often have inattentive symptoms rather than the hyperactive/impulsive type more common in boys and men. This could be related with brain structure or the levels of chemicals such as estrogen. Also, female hormones change during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopause, which can affect the way ADHD medications work. Symptoms of ADHD can also be disguised by various mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. People with these comorbid disorders often feel more shame about their symptoms, and they aren't willing to inform their doctors, making it harder for them to get diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can create problems in a variety of areas of a woman's life. For example, it can make it difficult to keep a job or manage schoolwork. It can also cause financial issues, such as not paying bills or forgetting appointments and bills. It can lead to low self-esteem and affect relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to navigate gender roles that society expects of them. They also tend to dwell on their symptoms, which can lead to more stress and relationship issues. The signs of ADHD can worsen as time passes. They can also become more obvious when a person is stressed or going through a major life event. When a woman is divorced or is pregnant, or has children, she might have more difficulty with symptoms at home or at work. Women can manage their symptoms with a combination of therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can help them improve their overall performance by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. It may also be beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or to join an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Due to gender stereotypes, girls and women may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis due to a tendency to hide ADHD symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD in girls and women tend to be more inattentive, whereas boys and men often have hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Due to this distinction in the presentation of symptoms, girls and women are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed than males and females. Inattentive ADHD symptoms may include forgetfulness, disorganization, or difficulties with time management both at home and at work. This can lead to delays in appointments, problems paying bills on time and difficulty keeping up with school or work tasks. Symptoms of the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD in women can present as restless behavior, frequent need to move around, difficulty staying quiet or talking out loud or saying nonsensical words or phrases. These symptoms can cause problems in relationships, at work and school and at home. For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a condition that was only an issue for males and boys. The early studies of ADHD focused on the behavior of boys who were hyperactive, which helped to shape the diagnostic criteria and scales of rating still in use today. This led to the assumption that ADHD was only a problem for boys. Many women and girls weren't diagnosed with ADHD because their behavior did not fit the stereotypes. As girls and adolescents become adults, they may be struggling to navigate everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep an orderly home and maintain their daily routines may also result in feelings of being inadequate. Women may also experience mood disorders like anxiety and depression which can make it more difficult to seek treatment. Treatment There are a variety of treatment options for adults with ADHD, including medications. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin®), dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts (Adderall®) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®) help improve focus and motivation, reduce impulsiveness and hyperactivity, and increase working memory and verbal memory. They also reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will be able to discuss with you the medications that are most appropriate for your particular condition. In addition to medications, your doctor may recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn how to manage your symptoms and build self-esteem. They can also help you learn healthy strategies for coping and help your family understand your condition. They can provide cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. Or they can offer family psychoeducation which helps your loved one to understand ADHD and develop coping techniques. Women may experience different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. For example women with inattentive-type ADHD may struggle to stay organized at home and work or forget about appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They may feel embarrassed or misunderstood by their symptoms. Changing hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopausal changes can affect how ADHD symptoms manifest. The treatment plan you follow will depend on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage in life. You might notice that your symptoms are better during pregnancy, when the surge of estrogen can neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you participate in a research study. These studies are designed to discover new ways to prevent and treat diseases, as well as detect and conditions. Medication Women who suffer from ADHD have unique challenges to manage their symptoms. They must deal with complex interactions between gender expectations and executive function issues. They must also contend with rejection sensitivity which can cause them to feel embarrassed when they fail to meet social expectations. This makes it difficult for them to build and maintain relationships. They may develop coping strategies to conceal their struggles and try to blend into the crowd, which may mask their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they struggle to understand their anxiety and feelings, and often assume that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these factors this makes it harder for girls and women to get an accurate diagnosis than males and females. Moreover the symptoms of women tend to be less severe and active rather than attentive. This makes them less likely to trigger concern. This can cause them to be misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment. The drugs help to control the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they need to be closely monitored as some people may have a serious response to these medications. Non-stimulant drugs are also available. These medications can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy and behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. These individuals should tell their healthcare provider about any past issues that they have had with ADHD. They can then use this information to create an treatment plan. They could also request their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has expertise in treating ADHD in women and girls. They can provide counseling and psychotherapy as well as methods for managing your lifestyle, job accommodations, and school accommodations. Support Women suffering from ADHD are often faced with a range of difficulties which include misdiagnosis, as well as undiagnosed symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors, and females with ADHD tend to experience more internalized symptoms like depression and anxiety (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women are more likely to exhibit different symptoms, with an inattention presentation being more common than hyperactive or impulse symptoms. First, you should speak with your primary healthcare provider. They will evaluate your symptoms and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that a diagnosis helps them face their difficulties more effectively and manage them better. A doctor will typically prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and control symptoms. Stimulant medications are most common, but non-stimulants are an option for a few people. Doctors can also prescribe therapy, like cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders, which can help people overcome negative thoughts and behavior. They can also provide suggestions on how to improve relationships and communication. attention deficit disorder in women of symptoms of ADHD requires the support of loved ones. Counseling for marriage and family therapy can help people better comprehend the challenges ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn to manage issues that arise from impulsive or inattentive behavior, like inattention and difficulty in making decisions. Many people with ADHD have a hard time seeking help or admitting they need assistance. A doctor can help them overcome this barrier by helping them understand how ADHD impacts their lives, and also by giving them strategies to improve their performance at school and work. They can also request coworkers and teachers for small accommodations to help them achieve their goals in their job or classes.