A Comprehensive Guide To ADHD In Women From Start To Finish
she said of ADHD in Women Adults Women can also suffer from ADHD symptoms, although they are more prevalent in boys and men. The symptoms can be different in different seasons, since hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, as well as menopausal changes can make them worse. The diagnosis and treatment are crucial first steps. The treatment of ADHD with medication and therapy 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 due to the brain's structure or levels of estrogen. Also, female hormones change throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, which can affect how well ADHD medications work. The symptoms of ADHD can also be disguised by a variety of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. Women who suffer from these conditions often feel more shame about their symptoms and don't report them to their doctors and make it difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can create a host of problems in a woman's daily life. It can be difficult to maintain an occupation or keep up with schoolwork. It can also create financial problems, such as being late to appointments or paying bills, and late payments. It can impact relationships and cause feelings of low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD struggle to navigate gender roles of society. They are also more likely to internalize their symptoms and this can cause increased distress and relationship difficulties. The signs of ADHD can worsen over time. They may be more apparent when women are stressed or is going through a major life event. If a woman divorces or is pregnant, or has children, she might be more prone to experiencing symptoms at work or home. Women can learn to manage their symptoms with the combination of behavioral and therapy strategies. A therapist can help them improve their overall performance by teaching them time management and organizational skills. They may also benefit from working with an ADHD coach or attending an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Females and females may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis because of gender stereotypes and 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 difference in symptom presentations females and girls tend to be misdiagnosed a lot more often than men and boys. signs and symptoms of adhd in women may include disorganization, forgetfulness, or difficulties in managing time both at home and at work. This can lead to delayed appointments, difficulties paying bills on time and having trouble 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 affecting males and girls. The first studies of ADHD mainly focused on the behaviors of hyperactive boys, which helped define diagnostic criteria and rating scales that are still in use. This led to the belief that ADHD only impacted male children as well as women and girls were not diagnosed because their behaviors didn't fit the traditional stereotypes of the disorder. Untreated ADHD can cause teenagers and girls to struggle with their daily lives as adults. Additionally, their struggles to organize their finances, maintain a clean house and manage daily routines can lead to feelings of inadequate. Women can also suffer from 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 which includes medication. 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 discuss with you which medications are the most suitable for your situation. Your doctor might also suggest therapy in addition to medications. Specialized therapists in ADHD can teach you how to manage your symptoms, and also help you build confidence in yourself. They can also help you learn healthy strategies to cope and assist your family members in understanding your condition. They can also provide cognitive behavior therapy, which helps you recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer psychoeducation for your family members that helps your loved one better understand ADHD and develop coping techniques. Women may have different ADHD symptoms in comparison to men. For example women with inattentive type ADHD may have trouble staying organized at home and work or be forgetful of appointments and bills. In contrast, a woman with the hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD may be more disruptive in social and professional settings. They might feel embarrassed or misunderstood by their symptoms. Changes in hormone levels during menstrual cycle, menopausal and pregnancy can impact your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan will be based on your current hormone levels as well as your age and stage of life. You might notice that your symptoms improve during pregnancy, as estrogen levels rise to neutralize the chemical imbalance in your brain. Your doctor may also recommend that you take part in a research study. These trials are designed to uncover new ways to prevent, detect or treat illnesses. Medication Women with ADHD have their own particular challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They must contend with a complex interaction between gender expectations and executive function issues. They must also deal with sensitivity to rejection that can cause them to feel ashamed when they fail to meet social expectations. This dynamic contributes to their difficulties in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping strategies to conceal their struggles and they may try to blend in. This can mask their ADHD symptoms. Additionally, they struggle to understand their anxiety and feelings, and often assume that their behavior is “normal.” Because of these reasons, girls and women are less likely than boys and men to receive a precise diagnosis. In addition their symptoms tend to be more unresponsive than hyperactive and don't easily arouse concern. This can lead to a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Medicines can manage the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD in girls and women. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for patients with ADHD. However, they need to be monitored carefully as certain patients may experience a severe response to these medications. Non-stimulant medications are also available. These drugs can be combined psychotherapy and behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. The individuals should inform their doctor about any previous difficulties with ADHD. They can use this information to create a treatment plan. They may also request their health care providers to refer them to a mental health professional who has experience in treating ADHD for girls and women. They can offer psychotherapy and counseling as well as lifestyle management strategies, job and school accommodations and other therapies that help them better manage their ADHD symptoms. Support Women who suffer from ADHD can face a variety of challenges which include misdiagnosis, as well as undiagnosed symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD are skewed toward male behaviors, and females with ADHD tend to develop more internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women have a variety of symptoms, with an inattention appearance being more frequent than hyperactive or impulse symptoms. The first step is to speak to a primary health care provider. They can assess your symptoms and refer you to a mental health professional. Many women find that a diagnosis helps them face their challenges more efficiently and effectively manage them. Typically doctors will prescribe medication to control brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant medications are also available for certain people. Doctors may also recommend therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people change negative thought patterns and behavior. They can also offer advice on ways to improve communication and relationships. To manage the symptoms of ADHD requires support from loved ones. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people understand the challenges that ADHD presents in their lives. They can also learn to overcome issues that arise from impulsive or inattentive behavior, like memory loss and difficulties in making decisions. Many people suffering from ADHD are hesitant to seek help or admit they need assistance. A doctor can help them overcome this hurdle by helping them understand how ADHD affects their lives, and by teaching them coping strategies to improve their performance at school and at work. They may also ask their coworkers or teachers for small adjustments to help them achieve their goals in school or at work.