Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD can be hyperactive and can be a whirlwind of activity in a frenzied manner until they collapse. They may also be hypoactive, unable to muster up energy to get through daily tasks.
Girls and women can also suffer from coexisting conditions that include disordered eating habits and anxiety disorders, mood disorders depression, tic disorders and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
ADHD in women is underdiagnosed due to the society's expectations of women and girls as well as the coping mechanisms they develop to hide their symptoms. This can result in lifelong struggles with school, work, relationships and daily tasks. It can also lead to anxiety and depression. ADHD symptoms for women include executive functioning issues, memory and organization issues, impulsivity and difficulty with social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD in women can be a moment of light that helps to understand the reasons why they've struggled through their lives and providing them with an external explanation for why they behave as they do. A diagnosis can provide women with the confidence and support to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD for women can differ depending on the time of year, and hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen. Estrogen levels drop during ovulation, and during the middle of the menstrual cycle as well as during pregnancy, and also during or after menopausal. This can lead to a significant fluctuation in ADHD symptoms, since they fluctuate from day-to-day.
Women with ADHD often experience mood changes as well as an inclination to react in a way that is excessive or become easily annoyed by small things. They can be difficult to interpret by others, particularly male colleagues or partners who might believe that these symptoms are a sign of emotional instability. They may not realize that these symptoms are related to ADHD. As a result, they are often dismissed by medical professionals.
Alongside a change in the severity of ADHD symptoms hormones can also impact the effectiveness of medications or how they interact with other mental health issues that may be present. Other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, can occur along with ADHD. These conditions can cause or worsen the symptoms of ADHD. This is the reason it's essential to get a complete diagnostic assessment by an expert in ADHD.
Getting enough exercise can aid in the treatment of ADHD symptoms, as it releases neurotransmitters that boost concentration and increase attention. Regular exercise can decrease stress and anxiety that are common among people with ADHD. It's a great idea to choose a type of exercise you enjoy so that you can stick with it and make it a part of your routine.
Treatment
As girls grow into women, untreated ADHD symptoms continue to interfere with their lives. Women who don't receive treatment may face difficulties to manage their work or take care of their families. Maintaining a healthy relationship with a partner can be difficult. Women with ADHD might be frustrated when they aren't able to meet the expectations of others or cope with the many challenges of life.
As puberty progresses, female ADHD symptoms may be more subtle than those of boys or men. The symptoms can vary based on hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can result in symptoms that are misinterpreted and even exacerbated. When estrogen levels drop at the time of ovulation, during menstrual cycle or when progesterone levels are elevated in anticipation of pregnancy, menopausal changes or other hormonal changes, the emotional symptoms of ADHD are more apparent.
In adulthood, hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are more apparent than they were in childhood. This can cause women to be more likely to be diagnosed of ADHD. Many adults with ADHD are not diagnosed because their symptoms can be disguised by stress and poor strategies for coping.
The good news is that there are effective treatments for women with ADHD. They include psychotherapy and medicines. It is essential to find a therapist and clinician who has experience treating ADHD for both women and girls. It's also beneficial to join an organization that supports you so that you can connect with other women who suffer from ADHD and discuss ideas on how to manage the condition in your unique method.
You can find studies on the NIMH Clinical Trials Search Page. You can also consult your doctor about joining a research study. The advantages of taking part in a clinical study is that you have the opportunity to learn new information about science and may be able to aid researchers in learning more about ways to prevent, treat and improve diseases and conditions. Talk to your health care provider about the advantages and disadvantages of taking part in a research study. In some instances, the costs of participating in a clinical study are covered by the researcher.
signs of add in adult women are the 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. Symptoms are different for everyone who has ADHD, but in general the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms are more prevalent in boys and men, while the inattentive symptoms are more prevalent for women. Experts don't know what causes these differences but they do know that females develop inattentive ADHD symptoms earlier than males. This makes it more difficult for them to be identified and treated.
Women often have the inattentive symptoms of ADHD which can include difficulties paying attention to tasks, focusing on them and forgetting particulars. These problems can cause them to suffer at school or at work. In addition, those who suffer from ADHD might have difficulty maintaining romantic relationships or friendships because of their inability to control emotions and communicating.
Women who suffer from ADHD have a harder time finding and retaining a job despite having higher qualifications than their male counterparts. The reason for this disparity isn't completely understood, but it could be because gender-based stereotypes cause employers and teachers to be less likely to recommend women with ADHD for treatment.
Researchers have found that women with ADHD tend to hide their symptoms. This includes developing strategies to cope and meet social expectations. This can be helpful in the short term, but it isn't sustainable over the long term. As a result, women suffering from ADHD often need treatment for the condition only when their lives get out of control at home and work.
Women suffering from ADHD are more likely to have depression or other mental health issues that can make it harder to identify and treat the condition. The internalized shame that they experience can lead to depression and low self-esteem. Women who suffer from ADHD also have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts, which can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. This is why it's crucial to seek a professional diagnosis and treatment if you experience the earliest symptoms of ADHD, regardless of your sexual orientation.
Self-Esteem
Women with adhd may struggle to have a healthy self-image. They may feel less than their peers and have a difficult time accepting compliments. They tend to make negative assumptions, overgeneralize and catastrophize.
This can be a problem due to the fact that people with ADHD tend to be sensitive to rejection and criticism. This can result in lower self-esteem in a range of areas such as schoolwork or sports, as well as physical appearance. People who suffer from ADHD tend to be more likely to face criticism from their teachers and parents for making errors (Manning 2010).
Many people with adhd feel feelings of failure and frustration throughout their lives as they are unable to manage their symptoms well. This can result in an uneasy feeling of self-esteem, and make them less likely to participate in future activities and conversations.
Some studies suggest that ADHD symptoms generally may lower self-esteem. However further research is needed to verify this connection. 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 disorders (ODD) symptoms had a direct impact on depression, however these effects were not mediated by self-esteem (Dan & Raz, 2015).
If you're struggling with low self-esteem the good news is that it can be improved. You can employ various strategies to boost self-esteem. Cognitive behavioral therapy is just one of them. The first step is to identify the thoughts and beliefs that hinder you. Examine these thought patterns to determine whether they are based on actual evidence or irrational thoughts and self-criticisms. Then replace these negative beliefs with more constructive ones.
Focusing on the positive aspects in your personality and achievements is another method to boost your self-esteem. A journal can be very useful in identifying your strengths and accomplishments. You can then put these in a location where you'll be reminded regularly. You can also consider volunteering or performing other charitable activities to feel good about yourself.
It is also important to find a clinician or therapist with experience in treating women with ADHD. They can help you learn how to deal with difficulties and boost your self-esteem. They can also assist you with accommodations in school or work that can improve your efficiency and productivity.