Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD can be extremely active and whirl through life at high speed until they crash. They can also be hypoactive, unable to find the energy needed to accomplish everyday tasks.
Girls and women may also suffer from co-occurring illnesses like disordered eating, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, depression, tic disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
ADHD is not diagnosed for women, in part because of societal expectations and coping mechanisms that women use to mask symptoms. This can lead to challenges for life in school, work and relationships as well as in everyday life. It can also cause depression and anxiety. ADHD symptoms in women include executive functioning issues, memory and organizational issues, impulsivity and difficulty with social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD in women can be a turning point that helps to understand the reasons why they've struggled through their lives, and providing them with an external reason why they behave as they do. A diagnosis can give women the confidence and help to manage their symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD in women can differ depending on the season and the fluctuation in hormones, specifically estrogen. Estrogen levels decrease during ovulation, the middle of menstrual cycle, pregnancy and after menopause. This can result in significant fluctuations in ADHD symptoms, since they can rise and fall day-to-day.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience mood swings and an inclination to react in a way that is excessive or become easily annoyed by minor things. They can be hard to understand by others, particularly male colleagues or partners, who may mistakenly believe that these symptoms are a sign of emotional instability. They may not believe that these symptoms are related to ADHD, and as a result they are often dismissed even by medical professionals.
In addition to a fluctuation in the severity of ADHD symptoms hormones can also impact how well medications work or interact with other mental health conditions that may be present. Other mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, can occur along with ADHD. These conditions can exacerbate or mask the symptoms of ADHD. This is the reason it's essential to have a full diagnostic evaluation by an expert in ADHD.
Getting enough exercise can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms because it releases neurotransmitters to boost concentration and increase attention. Regular exercise can also reduce anxiety and stress, which are common among those who suffer from ADHD. It's a good idea to find a form of exercise that you like and stick to it and incorporate it into of your routine.
Treatment
As girls mature into women, untreated ADHD symptoms persist to hinder their lives. Without treatment, it could be difficult for women to manage their work or take care of family members. It can also be difficult to maintain healthy romantic relationships. Women who suffer from ADHD are often frustrated when they are unable to meet others' expectations or meet the challenges of life.
When women enter puberty, ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than those of boys or men. The symptoms can vary based on hormone fluctuations, specifically estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can lead to symptoms being misinterpreted, and even exacerbated. For instance when estrogen levels drop in the ovulation period and during menstrual cycles or when progesterone levels are high in anticipation of menopausal changes or pregnancy, emotional symptoms can be a more prominent aspect of the ADHD experience.
In adulthood, impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms are more apparent than in childhood. This could cause women to be more likely to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. However, many adults with the disorder don't receive a diagnosis because their symptoms are obscured by the stress of life and poor management skills.
There are effective treatments available for women with ADHD. They include psychotherapy and medication. It is important to find a doctor and therapist with experience in treating ADHD in women and girls. It's also helpful to join an organization that supports you so that you can meet other women who suffer from ADHD and discuss ideas on how to manage the condition in your own personal method.
You can look up studies on the NIMH Clinical Trials Search Page. You can also consult your doctor about joining an investigational study. You will gain new scientific knowledge by participating in a trial. You might also be able to assist researchers in learning more about ways to prevent, treat and improve diseases. Talk to your health care provider about the pros and cons of taking part in a research study. In some instances, the costs of participating in a clinical study are paid for by the researcher.
Gender
ADHD symptoms result of a problem with executive function, which is the brain-based activity that helps control your mood and focus as well as your impulse control. The symptoms of ADHD vary for each person, but the hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms tend to be more common in boys and men. Experts don't know what causes these differences but they do know females suffer from inattentive ADHD symptoms earlier than males. This makes it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Attention-deficit symptoms are common in women, which include difficulties in paying attention, ignoring details, and having difficulty focusing on tasks. These problems can cause them to suffer at school or at work. Women who suffer from ADHD may also have difficulties maintaining romantic relationships or friendships due to their inability to communicate and manage emotions.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time finding and retaining jobs, despite having more qualifications than male counterparts. This disparity isn't fully acknowledged. However, it could be due to stereotypes about women that cause teachers and employers to be less likely to recommend treatment for women with ADHD.
Researchers have discovered that women suffering from ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. This means that they develop strategies to deal with the symptoms and meeting social expectations. This can be beneficial in the short-term but it isn't long-term and sustainable. Women suffering from ADHD are typically forced to seek treatment only when their lives are spiraling out of control, be it at home or at work.
Women with ADHD are more likely to have depression or other mental health issues, which can make it even harder to identify and treat the condition. Combined with their internalized shame, this can result in feeling depressed and an unsatisfactory self-esteem. adhd in women checklist with ADHD are also more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, which can be fatal if not stopped quickly. It's important to seek professional help and diagnosis the moment you first start to notice signs of ADHD.
Self-Esteem
Women who have adhd may have difficulty to maintain a positive self-image. They may feel like they are less than their peers and have difficulty accepting compliments. They can also be prone to overgeneralize or make assumptions that lead to negative self-talk.
This can be particularly difficult because people who suffer from ADHD are sensitive to criticism and rejection. This can lead to lower self-esteem in a range of domains that include schoolwork, sports, and physical appearance. Furthermore, those with ADHD are more likely to face reprimands from teachers and parents when they make mistakes (Manning, 2010).
Many people who suffer from adhd experience a sense of failure and frustration throughout their lives as they are unable to effectively manage their symptoms. This can result in lower self-esteem as well as a lack of desire to engage in conversations or activities.
Certain studies suggest that ADHD symptoms can affect self-esteem. However further research is needed to confirm this correlation. For example, in one study, severe inattentive symptoms decreased self-perceptions of scholastic competence, but hyperactive-impulsive symptoms did not affect these domains. Also the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODDs) had a direct effect on depression. However, these effects were not caused by self-esteem (Dan and Raz, 2015).
You can boost your self-esteem. You can employ a variety of strategies to boost your self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good example. The first step is to recognize what thoughts and beliefs hinder you. Review these thought patterns to determine whether they are based on concrete evidence or irrational beliefs and self-criticisms. Replace these negative beliefs by positive ones.
Focusing on the positive aspects in your character and accomplishments can also help boost your self-esteem. A journal can be very helpful in identifying your strengths and accomplishments. Then, you can put them in a spot that you can be reminded of them frequently. You can also do some charitable work or even volunteer to feel better about yourself.
It's also crucial to seek out a therapist or a professional who has experience in treating women with ADHD. They can help you find ways to improve your self-esteem as well as teach you strategies for dealing with difficulties. They can also assist you to obtain accommodations at school or work which can boost your productivity and increase your success.