Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women who suffer from ADHD are often hyperactive and whirl through life at high speed until they fall over. They can also be hypoactive, lacking the energy to complete daily tasks.
Women and girls can also suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as disordered eating and mood disorders, anxiety and depression, tic disorders, and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
ADHD is not diagnosed in women, partly due to the expectations of society and coping mechanisms that women use to hide their symptoms. This can cause lifelong challenges in school, work relationships, as well as everyday life. It can also trigger depression and anxiety. Symptoms of ADHD for women could include problems with executive functioning, organization and memory, impulsivity, trouble with self-control of conversation and difficulty understanding social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a real lightbulb moment for women. It helps explain why they've struggled their whole lives and gives them a external reason for in the way they do. A diagnosis can provide women with the confidence and help to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women may vary depending on the season and the fluctuation in hormones, specifically estrogen. Estrogen decreases during ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy, and also during or after menopausal. This can cause an extreme fluctuation in ADHD symptoms, since they can fluctuate daily.
Some symptoms of ADHD among women that are not often noticed are mood changes and a tendency for women to overreact or become easily frustrated by small things. They can be hard to understand by male friends or colleagues who might interpret these behaviors as emotional instability. They may not realize that these symptoms are linked to ADHD and as a result they are often dismissed, even by medical professionals.
Hormones can alter the efficacy of medications or their interaction with other mental conditions. It is not uncommon for other mental health conditions to be present alongside ADHD, including depression and anxiety, which can cause or worsen ADHD symptoms. This is why it's important to have a full diagnosis by a specialist in ADHD.
Regular exercise can help with ADHD symptoms because it releases neurotransmitters that boost focus and attention. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and stress which are common in people who suffer from ADHD. Find an exercise that you enjoy and stick with it.
Treatment
As girls mature into women, untreated ADHD symptoms persist to hinder their lives. Without treatment, it could be difficult for women to handle their work or take care of family members. It can also be difficult to maintain healthy romantic relationships. Women with ADHD might be frustrated because they're not able meet the expectations of others or cope with life's many challenges.
When women enter puberty, ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than the male counterparts. The symptoms of ADHD can differ based on the fluctuation in hormones particularly estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can cause symptoms to be misinterpreted and can cause them to worsen. When estrogen levels drop around ovulation, during menstruation, or when progesterone levels are elevated in anticipation of pregnancy, menopausal changes or other hormonal changes, emotional symptoms of ADHD are more apparent.
In adulthood, symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are more evident than they were in childhood. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because of this. However, a lot of adults suffering from the disorder don't receive a diagnosis because their symptoms are concealed by life stresses and poor management skills.
There are effective treatment options for women suffering from ADHD. They include medications and psychotherapy. It is important to find a clinician and therapist experienced with treating ADHD both in girls and women. It is also beneficial to seek out a support group where you can meet other women who suffer from ADHD and discuss ideas on how to manage the condition in your unique way.
The NIMH's Clinical Trials Search page allows you to find studies that may be appropriate for you. You can also consult your doctor about joining an investigational study. You could gain new knowledge about science through participating in a study. You may also be able to assist researchers in learning more about ways to prevent, treat, and improve the quality of life for patients. Talk to your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in a clinical study. In some cases researchers will cover the costs involved in taking part in a study.
Gender
The signs of ADHD are based on issues with executive functions, which are the brain-based processes that help you manage focus, emotional regulation and impulse control. The symptoms differ for each person who has ADHD, but in general the hyperactive and impulsive symptoms are more prevalent for both genders and the inattention symptoms are more common in women. Experts aren't certain what is causing these variations however they do know that females tend to experience the inattentive signs of ADHD at a later time than males, which makes it more difficult for them to be diagnosed and treated.
Women often have the inattentive symptoms of ADHD that include difficulty paying attention to tasks, focusing on them and forgetting important details. These difficulties can make it hard for them to succeed at work or at school. Additionally, women who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty maintaining romantic or friendship relationships because of their difficulty regulating emotions and communicating.
Females who suffer from ADHD have a harder time finding and retaining jobs, despite being more qualified than male counterparts. This gap is not fully recognized. However, it could be due to sexist stereotypes that cause teachers and employers to less likely recommend treatment for women with ADHD.
Researchers have found that women suffering from ADHD tend to hide their symptoms. This means that they develop strategies to cope and meet social expectations. This can be beneficial in a short-term, however, it's not long-term and sustainable. As a result, women with ADHD often have to seek treatment for the condition only when their lives spin out of control at home or at work.
Women with ADHD are more likely to suffer from depression or other mental health problems, which makes it more difficult to identify and treat the condition. When combined with their internalized shame this can result in feelings of despair and an insecure self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a greater chance of having suicidal thoughts or attempts, which can be fatal if they are not addressed immediately. It is essential to seek out professional treatment and diagnosis the moment you first start to notice signs of ADHD.
Self-Esteem
Women who have adhd may struggle to build a positive image of themselves. They may feel inferior to their peers and may have trouble accepting compliments. They can also be prone to overgeneralize or make assumptions that can lead to negative self-talk.
This can be particularly difficult because people with ADHD are prone to being criticized and rejection. This can result in low self-perception in a variety of areas, including schoolwork as well as sports and physical appearance. adhd symptoms in adult women with ADHD tend to be more likely to receive criticism from their teachers and parents for making mistakes (Manning 2010).
Many people with adhd feel frustrated and fail throughout their lives, as they can't manage their symptoms. This can lead to a lower sense of self-esteem, making them more hesitant to engage in future activities and discussions.
Certain studies suggest that ADHD symptoms generally 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. Additionally, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms had a direct impact on depression, however these effects were not mediated by self-esteem (Dan & Raz, 2015).
You can improve your low self-esteem. There are several strategies that can be used to boost self-esteem, including cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step is to recognize what beliefs and thoughts hold you back. Analyze these patterns of thought to determine whether they are based upon actual evidence or irrational thoughts and self-criticisms. Then, replace these negative beliefs with more constructive ones.
Focusing on the positives of your personality and accomplishments can also help boost your self-esteem. A journal is beneficial, since it can help you identify your strengths and accomplishments. You can then keep these in a place where you'll be reminded of them regularly. You could also participate in volunteering or charitable work to boost your self-esteem.
In the end, it's essential to find a professional or therapist with experience in treating women suffering from ADHD. They can teach you how to handle difficulties and boost your self-esteem. They can also help you obtain accommodations at school or work which can boost your productivity and increase your success.