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Symptoms of ADHD in Women Adults Although ADHD symptoms are more common for men and boys however, women can be affected by the disorder as well. The symptoms can be different at different times, as hormonal fluctuations during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can make them worse. A diagnosis and treatment are crucial first steps. Managing ADHD through therapy and medication can improve relationships, work and school performance. 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 brain structure or levels like estrogen. Female hormones also change during menstrual periods as well as during pregnancy and perimenopausal. This can impact the effectiveness of ADHD medications. ADHD symptoms can be concealed or exacerbated by anxiety depression, and other mood disorders. Women with these comorbid conditions tend to feel more embarrassed about their symptoms and don't disclose them to their physicians, making it harder for them to be diagnosed and treated. Untreated ADHD can cause problems in many areas of a woman's daily life. It can be challenging to maintain the pace of work or maintain a schedule for schoolwork. It can also cause financial problems, like forgetting appointments or bills and late payments. It can also affect relationships and create 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 issues, which can lead to more stress and relationship issues. Symptoms of ADHD are more severe as time passes. They may also become more apparent when a woman is stressed or undergoing some major life event. When a woman is divorced or is pregnant, or has children, she could be more prone to experiencing symptoms at home or at work. Women can manage their symptoms with a combination of therapy and behavioral strategies. A therapist can assist them to improve their overall performance by teaching them how to manage their time and organize their lives. You might also find it beneficial working with an ADHD coach, or attend an ADHD support group. Diagnosis Due to gender stereotypes, girls and women may be unable to get 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 symptom presentation females and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed compared to boys and men. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can show up as forgetfulness, disorganization or difficulties managing time at work and home. This may result in delays in appointments, problems paying bills on time, and having trouble keeping up with work or school 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 disrupt relationships, interfere with school and work performance, and cause problems at home or in a relationship. For a long time, ADHD was thought to be a disorder that was only affecting males and boys. The first studies on ADHD mainly focused on the behaviors of boys who were hyperactive, which helped to shape diagnostic criteria and rating scales that are still in use. This led to the belief that ADHD was only a problem for male children and that many women and girls were not diagnosed because their behaviors didn't fit the typical stereotypes of the disorder. As girls and adolescents become adults, they may continue to experience difficulties navigating everyday life with untreated ADHD. Their struggles to manage their finances, keep their home in order, and manage their daily routines could result in feelings of being inadequate. Women can also suffer from mood issues like anxiety and depression that can make it harder 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 can also decrease anxiety and depression symptoms. Your doctor will talk with you which medications are the most suitable for your particular condition. In adhd in women adults to medications Your doctor may also recommend therapy. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can help you learn to manage your symptoms and build confidence in yourself. They can also help you learn healthy strategies to cope and help your family members understand your condition. They can offer cognitive behavior therapy, which teaches to recognize negative thoughts and replace with more realistic ones. They could also offer family psychoeducation which helps your loved one to comprehend ADHD and develop coping strategies. Women can experience different ADHD symptoms as compared to men. For example women with inattentive type ADHD might struggle to stay organized at work and home 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 uncomfortable or misunderstood due to their symptoms. The changes in hormone levels during menstrual cycle, menopausal cycle and pregnancy could influence your ADHD symptoms. Your treatment plan depends on your current hormone levels, your age and stage of life. You might find that your symptoms improve during pregnancy, when the surge of estrogen can balance out the chemicals in your brain. Your doctor may also suggest that you participate in a study conducted by a clinical researcher. These studies are designed to discover new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Medication Women suffering from ADHD have unique challenges when it comes to managing their symptoms. They have to manage complex interactions between gender expectations and executive functions issues. They must also deal with rejection sensitivity which can cause them to feel ashamed when they don't live up to social expectations. This is a contributing factor to their difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships. They may develop coping mechanisms to conceal their struggles and may even try to fit into. This may mask their ADHD symptoms. They may also be unable to acknowledge their own anxiety and often believe that their behaviors are “normal.” Because of these factors, it's harder for girls and women to get an accurate diagnosis than boys and men. Furthermore their symptoms tend to be more inactive than hyperactive, and therefore do not easily trigger concern. This could cause them to be misdiagnosed and delayed in treatment. The medications assist in reducing the chemical imbalances that trigger the symptoms of ADHD for girls and women. Stimulant drugs are usually the first choice for these patients. However, they should be monitored carefully as certain patients may experience a severe response to these medications. Non-stimulant medications are also available. These medications can be combined psychotherapy and behavioral treatments to alleviate symptoms. They should inform their healthcare provider about any previous difficulties with ADHD. They can utilize this information to formulate a treatment plan. They can also request that their healthcare provider recommends them to a mental healthcare professional who has experience treating ADHD among women and girls. They can offer psychotherapy and counseling, lifestyle management techniques, job and school accommodations and other treatments to assist them in managing their ADHD symptoms. Support Women suffering from ADHD have a myriad of issues, including misdiagnosis and unrecognized symptoms. Rating scales for ADHD tend to be biased towards male behaviors, and women who suffer from the condition are more likely to develop more internalized symptoms like anxiety and depression (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014). Women tend to have different symptoms, with inattentive symptom manifestation being more prevalent than hyperactive or impulse-related symptoms. The first step is talking to a primary care physician. They will assess your symptoms and recommend you to an expert in mental health. Many women find that having a diagnosis helps them accept their challenges more efficiently and effectively manage them. A doctor is likely to prescribe medication to regulate brain activity and reduce symptoms. Non-stimulant medicines are also available to certain people. Doctors can also prescribe therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, to assist people in changing negative thoughts and behavior. They can also offer advice on ways to improve communication and improve relationships. The support of family members is crucial to tackling the symptoms of ADHD. Marriage counseling and family therapy can help people comprehend the challenges ADHD can bring to their lives. They can also learn to deal with problems caused by impulsive or inattentive behaviors, such as forgetfulness or difficulty making decisions. Many people suffering from ADHD are unable to asking for help or admitting they need assistance. A doctor can help overcome this barrier by explaining how ADHD affects them and teaching them coping techniques to improve their performance in school and at work. They can also ask their coworkers as well as teachers for minor accommodations to help them be successful in their jobs or classes.