Symptoms of ADHD in Women
Women with ADHD are often hyperactive and can be a whirlwind of activity in a frenzied manner until they collapse. They may also be hypoactive, unable to generate enough energy to complete everyday tasks.
Girls and women may also suffer from co-occurring illnesses such as eating disorders and anxiety, mood disorders, depression, tic disorders and fibromyalgia.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD in women is underdiagnosed due to social expectations for women and girls, as well as the strategies they use to hide their symptoms. This can cause lifelong challenges in work, school and relationships as well as in daily tasks. It can also cause anxiety and depression. The signs of ADHD in women can include issues with executive functioning, organization and memory, impulsivity, trouble with conversational self-restraint, and trouble understanding social boundaries.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a moment of light for women. It helps them understand why they've had to struggle throughout their lives and gives them an external reason for why they behave the way they act. A diagnosis can provide women with the confidence and strength to manage their symptoms.
The symptoms of ADHD in women can differ according to the time of year and hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen. Estrogen decreases during ovulation and during the middle of the menstrual cycle, and also during pregnancy, and also during or after menopausal. This can cause an extreme fluctuation in ADHD symptoms, since they fluctuate from day-to-day.
Women who suffer from ADHD frequently experience mood swings, the tendency to react overly or become easily frustrated by minor things. These are difficult to understand for other people, particularly male partners or colleagues who might interpret these behavior patterns as emotional instability or uncontrollable anger. They may not realize that these symptoms are related to ADHD and, consequently they are often dismissed even by medical professionals.
In addition to a fluctuation in the severity of ADHD symptoms hormones can also influence the effectiveness of medications, or how they interact with other mental health conditions that might be present. It is normal for other mental health disorders to occur along with ADHD, including anxiety and depressive disorders which can mask or exacerbate ADHD symptoms. It's crucial to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis from an expert.
Exercise can reduce ADHD symptoms since it releases neurotransmitters, which improve focus and attention. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety and stress which are common in people with ADHD. It's a great idea to find a form of exercise you enjoy so that you can stick with it and make it part of your routine.
Treatment
As girls mature into women and become mothers, untreated ADHD symptoms continue to interfere with their lives. Without treatment, it could be difficult for women to manage their jobs or care for family members. It can also be challenging to maintain healthy relationships. Women with ADHD are often frustrated when they are unable to meet their peers' expectations or meet the difficulties of life.
In the midst of puberty, women's ADHD symptoms can be more subtle than the symptoms of men or boys. The symptoms of ADHD may be different depending on the hormone fluctuations including estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can result in symptoms being misinterpreted, and even worsen. For instance, when estrogen decreases around ovulation and during menstrual cycles or when progesterone levels are high in anticipation of menopausal or pregnancy emotional symptoms may become a more prominent part of the ADHD experience.
As we age, the signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity are more apparent than in childhood. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD because of this. However, many people with the disorder don't receive a diagnosis because their symptoms are masked by the stress of life and poor coping skills.
The good news is that there are effective treatments available for women with ADHD. They include medications and psychotherapy. It is important to find a therapist or specialist who has experience in treating ADHD both in women and girls. You can also join an online support group to connect with other women with ADHD and to share suggestions on how to manage your condition.
The NIMH's Clinical Trials Search page allows you to find studies that might be appropriate for you. You can also talk to your doctor about taking part in any research study. The advantages of taking part in a clinical trial are that you are able to learn new information about science and also assist researchers in discovering ways to help prevent, treat and improve conditions and diseases. Talk with your physician about the pros and cons of taking part in a research study. In some cases, researchers will cover the costs of taking part in a study.
Gender
ADHD symptoms are a result of a problem with executive function, which is the brain-based activity that helps manage your mood and focus, as well as controlling your impulses. The symptoms vary for everyone who suffers from ADHD, but in general, the symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity are more common in males and females, while the inattentive symptoms are more common for women. Experts aren't certain what is causing these variations however they do know that females tend to develop the inattentive symptoms of ADHD at a later age than males, making it harder to get diagnosed and treated.
Attention deficit symptoms are common among women, which include difficulties in paying attention, ignoring details, and focusing on the task at hand. These difficulties can make them struggle in school or at work. Women who suffer from ADHD might also have trouble maintaining romantic relationships or friendships due to their inability communicate and regulate emotions.
Women with ADHD have a harder time finding and retaining a job despite having more qualifications than their male counterparts. This disparity isn't completely understood. However, it could be due to sexist stereotypes that lead teachers and employers to less likely recommend treatment for women with ADHD.
Some researchers have found that women suffering from ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms. This involves developing strategies to deal with their challenges and meet societal expectations. This may be beneficial in the short run but it's not sustainable over the long term. Women with ADHD are typically forced to seek treatment when their lives spiral out of control, be it at work or home.
Women who suffer from ADHD might also be suffering from depression or other mental disorders, making it harder to identify and treat. This internalized shame can cause depression and low self-esteem. Women with ADHD also have a greater chance of having suicidal thoughts or attempts, which can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. It is essential to seek professional treatment and diagnosis the moment you first notice the symptoms of ADHD.
Self-Esteem
Women with adhd can struggle to maintain a positive self-image. They may feel like they are less than their peers and have difficulty accepting compliments. They tend to make negative assumptions, overgeneralize and catastrophize.
This is especially problematic because people who suffer from ADHD are sensitive to criticism and rejection. This can result in low self-perception in a variety of areas, including schoolwork or sports, as well as physical appearance. People with ADHD tend to be more likely to face criticism from their parents and teachers for committing mistakes (Manning 2010).
Many people with adhd are frustrated and feel like they're failing throughout their lives because they can't manage their symptoms. This can result in lower self-esteem and a reluctance to engage in discussions or activities.
Some studies suggest that all ADHD symptoms can reduce self-esteem, however more research is needed to determine 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 the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorders (ODDs) had a direct effect on depression. However these effects were not mediated through self-esteem (Dan and Raz, 2015).
You can boost your self-esteem. There are high functioning adhd in women that can be employed to build self-esteem, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The first step is to notice the thoughts and beliefs that hinder you. Examine these thoughts and patterns and determine if they're founded on concrete evidence or irrational assumptions and self-criticisms. Replace these negative beliefs with productive ones.
Another way to boost self-esteem is to concentrate on the positive aspects of your character and achievements. A journal is beneficial, since it helps you to identify your strengths and accomplishments. You can then put these in a spot that you can be reminded of them often. You could also participate in volunteering or charitable work 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 learn how to deal with setbacks and boost your self-esteem. They can also assist you with accommodations at work or at school that can improve your productivity and success.